This article was featured in the January/February 2025 issue of Future Farmer magazine. Read the full issue here!
As the agricultural industry continues to evolve, Grand Farm’s Sensor Sandbox emerges as a cutting-edge initiative at the intersection of precision farming and technology. Located at the Grand Farm Innovation Campus in North Dakota, this project is designed to test, evaluate, and showcase IoT (Internet of Things) sensors in real-world farm environments. From improving connectivity in rural areas to optimizing field operations, the Sensor Sandbox aims to revolutionize how farmers collect and use data.
WHAT IS THE SENSOR SANDBOX?
The Sensor Sandbox is a testing environment where innovative IoT sensors are deployed to gather real-time data on field conditions. This initiative focuses on three core objectives:
- Communication Protocols: Testing connectivity methods like LoRaWAN, Private Cellular (4G), and fiber broadband to ensure reliable data transmission.
- Sensor Functionality: Evaluating various types of sensors to monitor parameters such as soil moisture, temperature, and CO2 levels.
- Data Utilization: Exploring ways to translate sensor data into actionable insights for farmers, such as optimizing irrigation and improving crop management.
THE TECH
Connectivity is at the heart of the Sensor Sandbox. Rural farms often face challenges with cellular coverage, so the project incorporates advanced communication technologies, including partnerships with Dakota Carrier Network and North Dakota State University. The results include seamless data transmission over distances of up to 10 miles with solutions like LoRaWAN gateways.
SENSOR SANDBOX STATISTICS
ACTIVE STARTUP COMPANIES
DEPLOYED SENSORS
COMMUNICATION PROTOCOLS
(LoRaWAN, Cellular, Private Cellular, Fiber Broadband)
DATA COLLECTED
Ambient temperature and humidity, wind speed/gust and direction, pressure, solar radiation, rainfall, CO2, soil moisture and temperature, and soil nitrogen.
STARTUPS DRIVING INNOVATION
The Sensor Sandbox collaborates with eight companies, ranging from startups to established tech leaders. Notable participants include:
- Soiltech Wireless – Specializing in underground soil sensors
- Arable – Offering mature weather and crop monitoring systems
- Tempest Dronework – Leveraging aerial imagery to enhance precision farming.
WHY THIS MATTERS TO FARMERS
With the data collected, farmers can make smarter decisions, such as determining optimal irrigation schedules or analyzing weather conditions to improve crop yields. These advancements bring farmers closer to sustainable and efficient practices while reducing operational costs.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
Interested in testing your sensors or collaborating? Contact Nathan Marcotte at pmo@grandfarm.com.
