Learn to Get the Most Out of SilagePlan

Drone-based silage inventory management with SilagePlan is a modern, technology-driven approach to accurately measuring and managing your farm's valuable forage inventories. It involves using a drone to capture high-resolution images of your silage piles, bunks, and bags. These images are then uploaded to the SilagePlan platform, where our advanced software processes them to create precise 3D silage models. From these models, we deliver accurate measurements of available forage volume. Beyond just volume, SilagePlan helps you calculate crucial metrics like silage density, track silage shrink (to help reduce dry matter loss), and generate reliable feed forecasting reports — all accessible through your secure online dashboard.

The process is straightforward: (1) Automated Drone Flight — using a compatible drone and a supported flight automation app, you fly over your feed storage areas. (2) Image Upload — you upload images to your secure SilagePlan dashboard. (3) Advanced Processing — our software processes images using photogrammetry to construct accurate 3D models. (4) Data Access — your detailed forage inventory data becomes available in your dashboard.

Key benefits include: increased accuracy over manual measurements, significant time savings, enhanced safety (no climbing on piles), comprehensive data including density variations and shrink rates, improved feed planning and forecasting, reduced dry matter loss, optimized forage use, data-driven decision making, and better financial oversight of your feed inventory.

SilagePlan achieves centimeter-level accuracy under optimal conditions. Accuracy is influenced by drone flight quality, image resolution, atmospheric conditions, and the use of Ground Control Points (GCPs) or RTK/PPK-enabled drones for enhanced georeferencing. We provide guidance on best practices to maximize accuracy.

Your measured inventory data and comprehensive reports are typically available within 3 business days of successfully uploading your drone imagery. We also offer options for expedited processing upon request for urgent needs.

No, you don't need to be an expert. Modern drones and flight automation apps make the image capture process relatively simple and often highly automated. These apps allow you to plan flight paths, set altitudes, and manage image overlap with ease. SilagePlan also provides guidance and support to help you get started.

For density, SilagePlan calculates volume precisely — when combined with weight measurements, you can determine density and track how it changes across a pile or over time. For shrink, we compare measurements taken at different times (e.g., after packing vs. before feedout) to quantify dry matter loss, helping you identify problem areas and evaluate your storage practices.

SilagePlan is compatible with imagery from nearly all professional or pro-sumer drones with a good camera and GPS, including DJI Mavic series, Phantom series, Air series, and Autel Evo series. For highest accuracy, we recommend drones with higher resolution sensors and RTK/PPK capabilities or Ground Control Points.

SilagePlan benefits dairy farmers (for feed planning and profitability), feed consultants and nutritionists (for accurate data and ration formulation), custom harvesters (for value-added post-harvest measurements), and any large livestock operation relying on significant stored forage volumes.

Absolutely. Feed planning and forecasting are core strengths. Once inventory is measured, our system uses your stock levels and herd consumption rates to project how long current forage will last. You can model different scenarios, plan transitions between silage types, and ensure continuous supply of quality feed.

We offer comprehensive support including onboarding assistance, a knowledge base with tutorials and video guides, direct support via email/phone/chat, and best practice guidance for optimal drone flights and data interpretation.

Yes, data security and privacy are top priorities. We employ robust security measures including secure cloud storage, data encryption, and controlled access protocols. You retain ownership of your data.

Getting started is easy! Visit silageplan.com and fill out our contact form or find our direct contact information. A member of our team will discuss your needs, answer questions, provide a demo, and guide you through onboarding.