Due to the mountainous topography of the Basque Country, livestock breeders often lose track of their herd. Every day they lose time looking for their livestock in the mountains. The Hazi Foundation helped the farmers change their livestock management.
The Sectorial Network team of the Hazi Foundation, who is the public foundation of the Basque Government for rural and coastal development, was made aware of the livestock breeders challenge. In response, HAZI developed GEOPOS in close collaboration with some farmers, a livestock geo-localisation device.
How Does GEOPOS Work?
The GEOPOS device is a robust, small and light necklace designed for lifestock.
GEOPOS makes it possible for the farmer to follow-up on his herd through a technological platform which has been adjusted to the needs of the farmer. The platform is available both on computers and mobile phones.
Also, through an alarm system the farmer is alerted via SMS and mail when the livestock enters or leaves the plot, shows inactivity, or the battery is low …
How Does GEOPOS Help?
Nowadays, the device is being used by around 20 small and medium farmers who have extensive livestock production. Using the GEOPOS device improved the working conditions for the farmers by saving them time since they do not have to make daily visits to their plots anymore. As one of the farmers who is a user of the device explains:
– Thanks to the GEOPOS device I know where my horses are all the time, which is a great advantage.
GEOPOS also reduces costs for the farmers, especially by saving fuel because unnecessary car journeys can be avoided.
GEOPOS Is Used In Research
The device can contribute to animal behaviour research because it gives invaluable information about the pattern of movements of the livestock, information that can be analysed in different growth phases, seasons as well as weather conditions.
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