Worm challenge isn’t always easy to see. DAGI (Drench and Grazing Integration) makes it visible, using paddock traffic lights to show wormy paddocks and help farmers make better grazing decisions. After nine months of beta trials, DAGI is now live, with Beef + Lamb New Zealand as a proud funding partner.
Ryan Luckman says the beta trials have already shown how the information can change decisions on farm.
“After 9 months of BETA trials we’re very excited to announce we’re ready to launch and help you ‘make the invisible visible’. The paddock traffic lights showing the wormy paddocks on farm are already changing where our early users are putting young stock – allowing them to farm both grass and worms, avoiding drops in growth rate and reducing drench use.”
What farmers in the trial have said
For South Canterbury farmer Arthur Dyer, DAGI has changed how he manages his ultra-fine Merinos.
Arthur runs Merinos on country that also supports dairy finishing. He says the traffic lights have changed how he makes grazing decisions.
“It’s been a bit of a game changer for ultra-fine Merinos in an area that’s not really meant for it.”
Before using DAGI, Arthur says he could get stuck in the same rotation because of where stock needed to go. The traffic lights have given him more flexibility.
Arthur uses DAGI alongside feed, FECs and growth rates.
“The DAGI app is another tool for measurement alongside feed, FEC’s, growth rates etc.”
He also says it’s easy to keep the app up to date.
“I’ve been away for a week but can quickly bang in the movements in five minutes.”
For Southland farmer and beta user Nathan Howden, DAGI helps him identify hot paddocks and decide where not to put young stock.
“DAGI is doing good, telling you where your hot paddocks are and where not to put your young stock.”
Nathan has already changed a grazing decision based on what DAGI showed him. He had been putting hoggets on some young grass paddocks, but found they were hot, so cleaned them up with ewes instead.
That pasture is destined for lambs in autumn, and Nathan expects DAGI to be particularly useful from weaning through to autumn.
“Biggest thing will be weaning time to Autumn. Will be really handy to know where to put them, will really help a lot.”
Nathan says entering stock movements is simple and has become part of his routine.
“Every time you go to move a mob, makes it easy.”
For Nathan, DAGI helps answer a question that has traditionally been difficult to answer.
“Without this tech, how do you actually know? We’ve all been winging it.”
He expects using the information to help reduce drenching, particularly after weaning.
“It’s letting you know where to graze them [to avoid the hot paddocks], so there will be less drenching. Think that’s when we’ll really see some savings.”
Download DAGI and start making the invisible visible
DAGI is now available for Android and Apple users and costs $1,000 + GST per farm, per year.
To download
Android: Download DAGI from the Google Play Store by searching “DAGI”.
Apple: First download TestFlight from the App Store, then use this link to access DAGI: https://testflight.apple.com/join/FAfP7bFj
Want to have a look around first? You can use the demo account:
Email: [email protected]
Password: dagitest
Once you’re ready to set up your farm, log out of the demo account and select “Sign up” on the front page.
Nathan’s advice to farmers starting out is to give it time and use it properly.
“People have got to be patient, give it time to build up to get the results we’re after. If you’re going to do it, you’ve got to do it right.”