From soil sensors and electric secateurs to GPS-guided harvesters, smart tools are helping us care for vines and olives with more precision, less waste, and a stronger connection to the land.
We’re not talking about overhauling everything you know — we’re talking about upgrading how you already work. At Pridham Viticulture, we’re using these tools every day to help local growers find smarter, more sustainable ways to farm.
With South Australia facing near-drought conditions last summer, water efficiency is front of mind. In McLaren Vale, where rainfall is already unpredictable, we’re leaning on tools like soil moisture probes and evapotranspiration forecasting to stay ahead of the weather.
These systems help us monitor conditions in real-time and irrigate only where and when it’s needed. Combined with fertigation, they’re not only improving vine and olive health — they’re helping reduce input costs and keep blocks productive through dry spells.
We all know how tough fungal pressure can be during warm and wet seasons. The old calendar-based spray schedule doesn’t cut it anymore.
We’re now using software that brings together live weather data, canopy imaging, and risk modelling to guide our spray programs. That means fewer chemicals, less labour, and healthier vines — all without the ‘spray and hope’ mindset.
Electric tools aren’t just better for the environment — they’re better for us too. Battery-powered secateurs, saws, and tying machines are lighter, quieter, and easier to maintain. You can use them near homes, early in the morning, or for long shifts without fatigue.
New models are being released with Bluetooth systems to track maintenance and use, helping us plan ahead and avoid downtime. They’re easy to adopt, and once you start, it’s hard to go back.
In our SHD olive systems, precision harvesting is the standard — not the exception. Groves are designed for mechanical efficiency, and today’s harvesters now feature capabilities beyond fruit collection. Current technology allows for real-time yield measurement, performance tracking across block sections, and seasonal pattern analysis.
This enables data-informed adjustments during harvest and provides valuable feedback that directly supports decisions related to pruning, irrigation scheduling, and nutritional management. As a result, the harvest process becomes more predictable, consistent, and strategically useful.
We’re not chasing trends. We’re making farming more practical, more resilient, and more rewarding.
Every tool we’ve adopted has helped us do the job better — whether that’s saving water, reducing inputs, or making long days in the field a bit easier. It’s not about complexity. It’s about common sense.
At Pridham Viticulture, we’re here to help you make those decisions — the ones that shape what’s possible for your farm not just this season, but for the long haul.
Smart farming isn’t one-size-fits-all, and it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you’re managing a few hectares or thinking about shifting direction entirely, it starts with a conversation.
Now’s a good time to take a fresh look at what your systems are really costing you — in time, in inputs, and in water. We’ve seen first-hand how the right tech can cut waste, save money, and make the job easier.
If you’re curious about what small changes could add up to big savings, we’re here to share what’s working in the field — and what’s not. No buzzwords, no pressure. Just real talk, backed by real experience.
Let’s figure out if there’s a better way to do what you’re already doing. Give us a call, send a message, or drop by the shed.