While you may not be able to completley prevent activists from targeting your farm, taking steps to increase your farm security can help to reduce the risk.
As well as being a preventative measure, security cameras also help to identify individuals following a protest or incursion, which could be useful if you wish to bring proceedings for an injunction or if criminal offences have been committed.
British Farmer & Grower spoke to Joe Yeomans, director of Dyfed CCTV, and Farmstream co-founder Eddie McDiarmid about why proper farm monitoring systems are vital for security.
Video monitoring on farms
Joe outlined a number of reasons why he considers video monitoring to be important on farms. “The main reason of course is security – crime rates are increasing in rural locations, and we are certainly hearing of more farms being targeted for theft. If you can identify thieves and vehicles, you have a much better chance of catching them and aiding police.”
Eddie says the adoption of video monitoring technology is essential for modern farmers seeking to address security concerns, optimise livestock management, improve operational efficiency, ensure regulatory compliance, and harness the power of data-driven decision making.
“By investing in advanced CCTV monitoring solutions, farmers can enhance the resilience and sustainability of their operations in an increasingly complex and dynamic agricultural environment,” he said.
Increased interest in CCTV
Eddie explained that the rise in rural crime means farmers are facing heightened security concerns. As they explore new revenue streams and diversify their operations, the need for advanced monitoring solutions has become increasingly apparent.
“Farmers and farm workers also face mounting pressure to maximise productivity and efficiency, while ensuring compliance with regulations and meeting consumer demands,” he said.
Detecting intruders
Joe spoke about devices that actively deter intruders. “Our innovations (ColorVu and Live-Guard cameras) provide cameras that film in colour 24/7 and have active deterrents through flashing lights and warning sirens when an intruder activates a smart-detection zone through the cameras. This has been proven to scare off thieves as they approach your property, better protecting your livelihoods.”
Farmstream’s latest innovation is designed to revolutionise the way farm businesses harness CCTV technology. “Farmstream SIMs offers a range of unique features tailored to meet the specific needs of agricultural operations,” said Eddie. These include giving farm owners the ability to switch their connectivity on or off as needed, multi-network coverage, enhanced security thanks to each SIM having its own static IP address, seamless data sharing between cameras, and user-friendly setup.
Additional benefits
Joe included livestock monitoring as an additional benefit of CCTV on farms.
“If you are able to clearly see the cows during calving season, it could mean the difference between noticing a calf born in the skin and losing it due to not having live view capability when you aren’t able to be in the shed.”
NFU members can save 10% on CCTV from a range of SSAIB certified* installers nationally. Visit: NFU member rewards | CCTV
