In this step-by-step document I will talk you through the fieldmargin farm set up. After talking to our users we think this can be done for the vast majority of farms in just 30 mins. After this you will have a farm map that is accessible anywhere.
If you would prefer to watch a video tutorial click here
You can use both the mobile and web apps, the data is saved on the cloud. If you have access to a computer I think it is easier to use the web app for setting up your farm because you have a larger screen and more control with the mouse. The mobile app is best for when you are out and about in the field.
You can set up your farm on mobile though - find our instructions here.
1. First, find your farm and set up your fields.
You farm is where all your information about the farm will live!
Give your Farm a name:
To set your farm location you can search by the name of your town or a post code. You can also set a location by clicking and moving the icon on the map.
Now you can map out your field boundaries. Fields are an important part of your farm’s map on fieldmargin. You can use them to record what you are producing in different areas of your farm.
IMPORT SHAPE FILES: If you have your fields set up already as boundary files, in MyJohnDeere, RPA or with Natural England you can import them by clicking on the ‘Import’ button. We have written a guide for how to find your files here.
No problem if you don't have any shapes saved, you can draw them by following the instructions below.
To map your fields click ‘Draw’.
Give your field a name.
Add points for the outline of your field by clicking on the map. You can move the map by dragging it even when you have started drawing. To finish your shape double click or click on your starting point. If you make a mistake you can edit your shape by dragging the outline of your shape.
Once your happy click ‘Create’.
When you draw your fields the name and field size will be shown in a list on the side bar. You can add as many fields as you need. Here is one we made earlier!
fieldmargin can be used on farms of any size of farm. Some of our power users farm on under 2 ha, others run thousand ha operations.
2. Now set your field uses
The field use is a way of recording what is going on in each field, for example crops or livestock. Each use has a colour which displays on the map so you can see what’s going on at a glance.
You can create a new field use by tapping "Set Usage" then "Create New.
Give your use a name and colour and click ‘Save’
On the Field Usages panel you can see your existing usages and edit them.
Choose the field usage you require and click "Select fields".
Select the fields that have these uses by either clicking the fields on the map or selecting them on the field list. You can see what was grown in the field last year written under the field name.
You can pick to select multiple fields at a time. The total area of the fields selected is shown on the side bar.
You can see what was grown in the field last year written under the field name.
Select "Save".
You can see the total area of each field use on the side bar. You can choose to view all the field names using the side arrows to show details of the individual fields.
Do More: You can switch the year using the drop down menu at the top and set field uses for past and upcoming years. This means you have a visual plan of what happens on your fields that you can access on your phone.
3. Last step: add permanent farm features
For permanent things on your farm you can use features to give your digital map detail, these are colour coded so that you can differentiate between different things on your farm. Some of the things you might like to add include paths, drains, pipes, buildings, water features or health and safety hazards - but you can decide how you use these however you wish.
First you need to set up Feature types. This is done in the same way that you set up field use type by clicking + Manage on the features side bar.
Select features on the side bar
Click ‘+ New’.
Draw your features: Add points for the outline of your field by clicking and setting points on the map. You can move the map by dragging it even when you have started drawing. To finish your shape double click or click on your starting point. If you make a mistake you can edit your shape by dragging the outline of your shape.
Select a feature type
Once your happy click ‘Create’.
The most common features set by our user are fencing plans and irrigation systems. You can also use features to map environmental stewardship details and health + safety points.
There you have it, your farm has been set up. Now you can start planning, recording and reporting! Message us to let us know what type of farm you have and I can explain how fieldmargin can help with your operation.