Weather Stations

AgriBase operates 50 Vaisala weather stations strategically located across the summer rainfall area. Through our portal, we provide traders and clients with real-time access to precipitation data from each station.

Climate plays a critical role in the production of grain, as it directly affects crop growth, yield, and quality. Grains like maize, soya beans, sunflower and wheat are staple foods in South Africa, making their production vital for food security.

Climate also has a huge impact on the socioeconomic environment. Grain production is essential for food security and the livelihoods of thousands of farmers and people. Climate-induced disruptions can lead to higher grain prices, exacerbating hunger and poverty, especially in vulnerable regions. Reduced production can strain grain markets and trade, impacting both exporting and importing; especially with the role South Africa plays in Southern Africa.

Climate Variables Affecting Grain Production

Drought: Prolonged periods of low rainfall can lead to water stress, stunted growth, and lower yields.
Flooding: Excessive rainfall can waterlog fields, reduce oxygen availability to roots, and increase disease risks.
Extreme Temperatures: Heatwaves can cause heat stress, reduce flowering and pollination, and accelerate crop maturity, leading to lower yields.
Frost: Late or early frosts can damage young plants or disrupt grain formation.
Wind: High winds can flatten fields, causing mechanical damage and making harvesting difficult.

For BVG, it is crucial to monitor various climate factors such as precipitation, wind speed, wind direction, temperature, and air pressure. The choice was made to utilize the cutting-edge Visala sensors, which are considered the most advanced system globally. The project was initiated in 2012, with data being collected every five minutes for all key variables, resulting in a vast dataset being compiled.

Weather Reports displaying the following information:

Current precipitation

Yesterday’s precipitation

Precipitation over the last three days

30-day total precipitation

Season total precipitation

Previous season total precipitation

Our stations measure
various parameters, including:

Precipitation

Minimum and maximum temperatures

Humidity

Wind speed

Wind direction

Solar radiation

Barometric pressure

Weather Station

Vaisala

Automatic Weather Stations

Precise, up-to-the-minute data for efficient short- and long-range prediction and surveillance of evolving severe weather patterns.