Unlocking the Power of Beacon Add-Ons

When it comes to farm management, both in the field and in storage, data is king. Stock Soiltech Beacons have become essential soil sensor tools for many potato, onion, and sugar beet farmers, providing real-time field condition data and helping to make informed decisions. But what truly sets Beacons apart for many different crops and use cases is the variety of add-ons available, each designed to enhance functionality and provide deeper insights.

Soiltech Beacons are about more than moisture, and we've made them customizable for you to use for more than just the growing season!

Let's take a look at the different Beacon add-ons — rain buckets, anemometers, wind direction indicators, CO₂ caps, and specialized antennas — and explore how they can help users improve their farm management operations.

1. Rain Bucket 

What It Does:

• Measures the amount of rainfall in a specific area.

• Connects directly to the Beacon, providing real-time precipitation data.

• Self tipping/dumping

How It Helps:

• In the Field: Helps farmers monitor rainfall to adjust irrigation schedules and prevent overwatering.

• In Storage: Rainfall data can help determine when to harvest fields for a crop best-suited for storage.

• Farm Management: Allows farmers to implement precision irrigation practices, saving on pump costs and water inputs. Field-specific rainfall data helps in fungicide application timing. Also reduces trips to the field to check conditions.

2. Anemometer

What It Does:

• Measures wind speed.

• Often used as part of a complete weather station setup.

How It Helps:

• In the Field: Provides insights into wind speed to plan for spraying activities and irrigations. 

• In Storage: Can help monitor airflow around storage buildings to optimize ventilation and reduce the risk of mold or spoilage.

• Farm Management: Farmers can ensure pesticides and herbicides aren't carried off by the wind by avoiding sprays during periods of high wind. Growers who use overhead irrigation can also irrigate during times of lower wind speeds so irrigation water makes it to the soil.

3. Wind Direction Indicator

What It Does:

• Measures the direction of the wind.

• Works with the anemometer to give a complete wind profile.

How It Helps:

• In the Field: Crucial for planning spraying activities and potentially protecting crops from wind damage.

• In Storage: Helps manage ventilation by positioning air intake and exhaust points to reduce the risk of hot spots and spoilage.

4. CO₂ Cap

What It Does:

• Measures carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels in real-time.

• Requires replacing the standard Beacon cap with the CO₂ cap.

• Easily added to existing storage/requires no external power or mounting 

How It Helps:

• In the Field: Farmers conducting field trials (e.g., testing biological vs. conventional fertilizers) can measure CO₂ changes to evaluate crop health and soil activity.

• In Storage: High CO₂ levels signal crop decomposition two to three days before a rise in internal temperature, helping farmers and/or food processors act early to prevent spoilage.

Example: If CO₂ spikes in a storage facility, it could signal that stored crops are starting to break down. By adjusting airflow or opening storage doors, farmers can prevent further losses.

5. Storage Antenna

What It Does:

• Designed for permanent installation in storage facilities.
• More robust and resistant to damage from crop residue.
• Can extend up to 60–80 feet from the bottom of a grain bin or potato pile.

How It Helps:

• In Storage: Helps monitor storage conditions more accurately and withstands the harsh environment of grain or potato storage.
  

6. Ambient Antenna (New in 2025)

What It Does:

• Similar to the storage antenna, but designed for above-ground use.
• Measures temperature and humidity.
• Includes an external charging port for continuous power.
• Flexible and resilient enough to withstand farm machinery impact.

How It Helps:

• In the Field: Ideal for real-time field monitoring of temperature, humidity, and other environmental conditions.
• Flexibility: Can be positioned and staked down, providing consistent data even in poor service areas without needing an expensive gateway or network.

🌾 Why These Add-Ons Matter

The real value of these add-ons comes from how they work together to create a complete picture of the growing and storage environment. For example:

• A rain bucket and anemometer can help fine-tune irrigation and spraying schedules.
• CO₂ caps provide early warnings about spoilage and decomposition, giving farmers and/or food processors time to adjust ventilation and reduce losses.
• Storage and ambient antennas ensure that even the most remote or hard-to-reach locations are monitored consistently.

Farming is full of variables, but with the right Beacon add-ons, farmers can control more of the process, improve yields, and reduce post-harvest losses. The future of farming lies in better data—and the Beacon system is helping farmers get there.

Interested in upgrading your Beacon with these powerful add-ons? Schedule a demo to learn more about the right configuration for your farm or storage facility.