Surveillance is of utmost importance on farms of any kind. Farm security cameras keep livestock and crops safe, and make it easier to monitor work taking place on farms of a larger scale.
Particularly because of the scale, looking to install farm security cameras for the first time can be daunting. Where do you start?
You are watching: Monitor Farms with These 5 Excellent Farm Security Cameras
Get started by reading on and discovering the best farm security cameras, including wireless farm security cameras, farm security cameras without wifi, and even barn cameras.
How to Choose Farm Security Cameras: Essential Features to Look Out For
On a farm, there’s three main purposes for installing surveillance. Below, discover some of the farm security camera features we recommend for each.
1. Livestock Monitoring
Monitoring animals could be in an enclosure, barn, or incubator indoors. It could also be outdoors.It’s unusual for farmers to monitor animals while they are grazing, but it shouldn’t be disregarded, especially if an animal has recently died or been killed inexplicably while outside.
Essential Security Camera Features:
- Weatherproofing
- Hardy exterior that can be easily cleaned
- Night vision
- Continuous recording
2. Crop Monitoring
Keeping an eye on crops and other plants can be a good idea if something appears to be eating or destroying them.A night vision camera with a built-in siren can be used to spot furry trespassers and frighten them away.Some security cameras have advanced AI features which may make this process a lot more streamlined, like animal detection. This can help limit the amount of unnecessary notifications.
Essential Security Camera Features:
- Siren
- Weatherproofing
- Night vision
- AI-based animal detection
3. Property Monitoring
Farms can be sprawling properties, which makes it all the more important to have security cameras covering vulnerable spaces.
Much like regular homes, all entrances to buildings on the farm should have surveillance monitoring them either through a window or from a high vantage point outside.
Essential Security Camera Features:
- Spotlights/Floodlights
- Motion detection
- Weatherproofing
- Two-way audio
5 Best Farm Security Cameras
Once you’ve got a good idea of what needs monitoring on the farm, it’s time to pick cameras. Take a look at the 5 picks for best farm security cameras below.
- Best outdoor security cameras for rural areas – Sansco Wireless Security Camera System
- Best farm security cameras without wifi – Arlo Go
- Best long range farm surveillance camera – Usogood Trail Camera Wifi 24MP 1296P
- Best farm security cameras solar powered – Reolink Go
- Best farm security camera system – ADT
Sansco Wireless Security Camera System
Best outdoor security cameras for rural areas
Available on Amazon. From $299.99.
Pros
- 2K footage looks great
- 8 cameras will cover larger farms
- 3TB NVR
Cons
- Cameras must be plugged in, which may limit where they can be put on farm
- No two-way audio
Farms are large spaces, so when it comes to outdoor monitoring, getting as much bang for your buck is a priority. This well-priced 8 camera kit from Sansco does just that. The IP66 rating means cameras can be safely installed outside without having to worry about damage caused by the weather.
2K footage looks great, smart motion detection can differentiate between humans and non-humans, and the NVR footage can be accessed from mobile devices. Each camera is powered by a plug, but coaxial cables aren’t needed for transferring footage, which is done over the internet.
Key Specifications
- 2K HD video
- 3TB 8 Channel NVR
- Audio
- Plug-in power
- Infrared night vision
- IP66 weatherproof
- Person detection
- NVR interfaces with phones
Arlo Go 2
Best farm security cameras without wifi
Available on Arlo. From $249.99.
Pros
- 3G and 4G mobile data
- SD card backup in case internet cuts out
- Spotlight is great for outdoor use
Cons
- 1080p resolution falls short of other Arlo cameras.
- Expensive
This IP65 weather-resistant outdoor security camera from Arlo has a SIM card slot, so farms that either don’t have Wi-Fi or are located in rural areas that struggle to maintain signal can still get all the great features of IP cameras by using 4G data.
Crisp 1080p HD video, two-way audio, Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant support, and advanced motion detection features make it perfect for monitoring different areas of a farm; particularly outside, thanks to the built-in spotlight that illuminates dark areas.
Key Specifications
- 1080p HD
- 130-degree field of view
- Two-way Audio
- Built-in siren
- Infrared night vision
- 3G/4G compatible
- Person detection
- Built-in spotlight
Usogood Trail Camera Wifi 24MP 1296P
Best long range farm surveillance camera
Available on Amazon. From $89.99.
Pros
- 65-foot detection range
- Wi-Fi-enabled, with a corresponding app
- Battery powered (8 x AA)
Cons
- Wi-Fi setup can be awkward
- IR lights shine downward, limiting the effective range of the camera at night time
In our article on long-range security cameras, we highlighted the Usogood Trail Camera as an excellent outside-the-box choice for long-range surveillance. On farms and in rural areas, trail cams also shine, since they are purpose-built for animal watching. They may be particularly useful for dealing with predatory pests.
1296p clips look (and sound) great, and users can connect a phone to the device to download the footage. 120-degree field of view is enough for smaller spaces, while the IP66 rating and infrared night vision mean it can be left outside 24/7 without fear of it being damaged.
Key Specifications
- 4K HD
- 120-degree field of view
- Audio
- microSD card slot
- Super fast motion detection
- IP66 waterproof
- Infrared night vision
- 8 AA batteries
- Camouflage design
Reolink Go Plus
Best farm security cameras solar powered
Available on Reolink. From € 211.99.
Pros
- Solar Panel isn’t built into the camera, allowing for greater freedom positioning it
- Sharp 2K video
- SD card supports up to 128 GB storage
Cons
- No Wi-Fi
- No 5G
The Reolink Go Plus is both an affordable alternative to the similarly-named Arlo Go (it uses 4G LTE rather than Wi-Fi) and a great way to take advantage of the sun.
It’s battery powered and can be plugged into Reolink’s solar panel (sold separately). It’s particularly handy for farmers that intend to move the camera around frequently for grazing. Night vision and motion sensor technology make the camera useful in most lighting conditions, so you can receive alerts day or night.
Key Specifications
- 2K HD
- 120-degree field of view
- 16x digital zoom
- Two-way Audio
- microSD card slot
- 3G/4G LTE
- Motion detection
- IP66 waterproof
- Infrared night vision
ADT
Best farm security camera system
Quotes available from ADT.
Pros
- 24/7 professional monitoring
- Professional installation
- Packages can be tailored to farm needs
Cons
- Very expensive upfront
- Monthly costs
Founded back in 1874, ADT provides a range of different security-related products, including fire protection and alarm services. For larger scale farms, a fully fledged farm security system is worth considering, namely because it’ll come with 24/7 professional monitoring.
Packages combine cameras, alarms, and more, allowing farmers to get a hold on all aspects of the property. You’ll have to get a quote to figure out exactly how much all this will cost, and you can expect semi-regular fees for maintenance, upkeep, cloud storage, and professional monitoring.
5 Reasons You Need Farm Security Camera
Rural farm security cameras might be brushed off as unnecessary by some, but no matter the scale of a farm, it should be treated as any other business would be.
Here’s 5 important benefits of farm security cameras.
1. Keep the property safe
A farm is a workplace that oftentimes many people are reliant on. Going without security cameras in offices and storefronts is unheard of-why should a farm be any different?Although rural areas are safer, a farm and its contents are still vulnerable to theft and trespassing. Rural farm security cameras are the most important measure to take to protect them.
I use it in South Africa to protect my workers and my family from farm attacks. I have constructed a solar charging system for the phones in the fields.
Read more : 6 team building activities without materials that don’t suck
AlfredCamera User
2. Track and locate pests
Whether its foxes, rodents, or something else entirely, pests can drastically affect productivity and output on a farm.
Vegetation is, naturally, most at risk, but in areas where birds of prey, hyenas, bears, or wolves are known to roam around, livestock can also be affected.
Without surveillance, it can be difficult to get a handle on the situation or even figure out what is responsible. Farm security cameras not only allow farmers to see what’s happening at all times, they can also frighten off pests with built-in sirens.
Love the app and I use it to monitor farm animals in a remote location. The camera phone is in a waterproof box with a glass window and powered via a car charger connected to a 12v battery. Ive got it on 3g as there’s no WiFi in this remote area. It all works well.
Read more : 6 team building activities without materials that don’t suck
AlfredCamera User
3. Calving, foaling, lambing
At the first signs of spring, farms anticipate the arrival of foals, calves, lambs, and other baby animals.
As wonderful as the arrival of new life is, it can be a pretty stressful time, particularly on farms with vast numbers of livestock.
Surveillance is essential for a successful birthing season, allowing farmers to keep an eye on mothers all over the farm, make sure they are safe, and step in as and when necessary to aid successful deliveries.
4. Feed and Water Monitoring
Save time by checking feed and water levels through the camera. Easily tap onto the live feed rather than conducting physical checks that involve maneuvering around the entire farm.
5. Home security
Farm security cameras are just as important for the successful and safe functioning of the farm as they are for home security.
They can also be used for more casual purposes associated with home security such as watching pets, kids, and packages left at the door.
l’ve had Alfred for sometime, and it’s a big help on a farm, with security, watching kids, farm animals, etc.
AlfredCamrea User
New to home security? Here’s what you need to know about home security.
Alfred on the Farm – Using AlfredCamera for incubation
For many farms, an extensive number of cameras will be needed to cover everything, from outhouses and barns to greenhouses and fields.
Easily overlooked are the incubators used to keep chicken, pigeon, duck, and other avian eggs warm. Incubators differ vastly depending on the scale of the farm and number of poultry kept, but across the board, successful and safe incubation can benefit greatly from monitoring.
With a limited number of cameras covering dozens of areas on a farm, AlfredCamera is a simple solution for monitoring things that might not be prioritized, like incubators.
Farmers can easily designate an old phone as an incubation camera by downloading AlfredCamera on it for free, or by plugging in an AlfredCam indoor security camera to keep an observant eye on things.
Aside from easily checking the live feed for updates on the incubation process, surveillance is an important line of defense against foxes and other animals liable to break in and eat the eggs. Activate Alfred’s built-in sirens to scare them off immediately.
Try Alfred now by downloading it for free on iOS and Android devices.
FAQ
Do farmers have cameras in their fields?
Farmers can have CCTV in their fields. A farm is a business place like any other, so it is not beyond reasonable expectation that fields might be monitored.
What are some common issues with farm security cameras and how to troubleshoot?
Maintaining a Wi-Fi connection in rural areas is a common issue with farm security cameras. If continually struggling to maintain a connection in larger areas, consider cameras that use mobile data instead. Otherwise, set up Wi-Fi extenders across the property to relay the signal.
Get more ideas on how to get better internet in rural areas.
What kind of weather resistance do I need for my farm security cameras?
Weather resistance won’t always be necessary for barn cameras depending on the integrity of the roof, but it is essential for outdoor surveillance. Water and dust resistance is often indicated by an IP rating, which you can find out about here.
Should I choose wired or wireless farm security cameras?
Wired setups in larger scale farms will require professional installation and maintenance, but it may be useful if intending to record CCTV footage continuously. Wireless can be more convenient and useful for motion detection, but having an awareness of how good the Wi-Fi is in and around the farm is a must before investing in extensive equipment.
What is the coverage area I need for my farm security cameras?
Coverage will vary widely depending on the size and scale of the farm. In theory, all buildings should be monitored by a camera inside and out. Fields may need to be monitored if pests are continually destroying crops or attacking grazing animals. If a house is on the farm, this should also be monitored as any other home would.
What kind of storage capacity should I look for in a farm security camera system?
For wired farm security camera systems, an NVR with at least 3TB will be necessary to capture footage from multiple cameras. These usually erase footage in chronological order as the storage maxes out. Wireless farm security cameras may benefit from paying for cloud storage with the provider in order to have a constant source of reliable data.
Conclusion
Farm security is important, and because there is so much ground to be covered, it requires putting aside time and money to do it right. Farm owners should consider investing in a farm security camera system with professional monitoring and maintenance options for long-term use.
AlfredCamera is a great way to plug the gaps in farm monitoring, so to speak, since it’s a much quicker and much more affordable way to do interior surveillance. It’s particularly useful monitoring incubators, and, of course, homes that may be on the farm.
Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Outdoor
