LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – A new device is helping ranchers check their water supply from their phones, saving time and reducing unnecessary trips.
Ranchbot, originally developed in Australia, is now based in Fort Worth and working directly with Texas Tech.
Andrew Coppin, co-founder and CEO, described the idea behind the device.
“What if we could connect all the water to the internet, use satellite devices that talk direct to satellite, that have their own power, their own communications, and can work anywhere on the planet,” Coppin said.
Used on more than 5,000 ranches
Ranchbot is used on more than 5,000 ranches worldwide. Coppin said it was made to help ranchers get back to the joys of the job, and not just focus on mundane tasks.
“So, they don’t need to drive around and check things like wells, pumps, tanks, troughs. They can log in and see it all on our app every morning or at any time they want from anywhere in the world and know what’s happening on the ranch with their water and their water infrastructure,” Coppin said.
Managing water during drought
Following months of dry heat, Coppin said the device is helping ranchers manage their water supply. He said water isn’t free, citing the rise of data centers and property development.
“Managing drought is about knowing your water and being more attuned to where you’re at on a relative basis to where you were last month, last week, last year. We can provide ranchers with all of that data so they can make better informed decisions about how they’re going to manage their operations,” Coppin said.
Working with Texas Tech
Coppin has been working closely with Texas Tech’s ranch management course, educating students about the importance of water. He said the device is keeping younger generations involved in the business.
“I really think this sort of technology is the technology for ranching of the future, and it makes ranchers’ lives a lot better, saves them a heap of time and money, and, you know, most importantly, gives them peace of mind,” Coppin said.
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