By Lebogang Mashala
Technology not only helps address losses due to crime but is also essential for enhancing worker safety and improving operational efficiency on the farm.
Farmers today face a range of crime and security threats, including livestock and produce theft, the loss of removable items, and the theft of valuable commodities such as fuel. Additional issues, such as illegal grazing and trespassing, further exacerbate the situation. As a result, investing in modern hi-tech solutions has become crucial for protecting agricultural operations.
Barry Venter, the CEO of Nashua, emphasised that safeguarding a farm involves more than just securing the perimeter against criminals. He points out that farmers need to ensure the right people have access to the appropriate areas of the farm, both from a security standpoint and for occupational health and safety.
“In response to these security challenges, we are seeing many commercial farmers increasing their investments in digital technologies, such as biometric access control and smart surveillance systems,” Venter explains. “These technologies not only help address losses due to crime but are also essential for enhancing worker safety and improving operational efficiency on the farm.”
According to Venter, farmers need to track who is on-site and how many individuals may need to be evacuated during an emergency. “If livestock goes missing, they want to identify who has recently accessed that area. In the event of an accident resulting in injury, they must verify whether the individuals involved were authorised to be in that location,” he said.
Today’s IP-based cameras, combined with advanced biometric access controls, offer farmers increased visibility and control over their extensive, dispersed properties. This technology is gaining popularity in agriculture due to rising rural crime, tight profit margins, and the increasing complexity of managing large, seasonal workforces.
Venter stated the advantages of this technology include 24/7 remote monitoring, the ability to manage entry and exit in specific areas, and even automatic number plate recognition for vehicles entering or leaving the premises. “For those operating vehicles, it allows for monitoring of drivers and cargo, including live camera feeds and GPS tracking.”
Biometrics
According to Venter, biometric access control solutions use unique physical characteristics to verify identity, replacing traditional keys or cards with fingerprint, facial or iris scans. He explained that this approach makes it virtually impossible to duplicate, steal, or misuse credentials.
“Facial and iris recognition are particularly useful on farms where workers’ fingerprints may be worn due to physical labour.” He added that access to hazardous areas – such as fuel storage, chemical sheds, or food processing zones – can be limited to trained and authorised personnel. According to Venter, this reduces accidents and improves compliance with occupational health and safety regulations.
“Biometric clock-ins eliminate the need for shared or lost cards and provide accurate logging of work hours, which is crucial for managing seasonal or shift workers. Integrated systems can automate time and attendance tracking, reduce paperwork, and ensure compliance with labour laws,” he stated.
Venter also emphasised smart security measures extend beyond access points. He mentioned CCTV and video surveillance play a vital role in ensuring safety and productivity across the farm. “Modern IP-based cameras deliver high-resolution video feeds, even in low-light conditions or across wide areas. Footage can be monitored in real-time or reviewed after an incident, helping to protect against theft and vandalism,” Venter explained.
“Digital cameras and artificial intelligence (AI) transform video streams and recordings into data that support better decision-making. IP-based cameras offer various capabilities, including motion detection, object tracking, facial recognition, and people counting. These analytics can provide valuable insights into worker behaviour, traffic patterns, and potential security threats,” he noted.
“AI and video analytics enable farmers to identify suspicious behaviour, such as loitering near high-value assets or entering restricted areas. Alerts are sent instantly to farm managers or linked security teams, allowing for intervention before incidents escalate.”
Venter acknowledged that while infrastructure constraints and upfront costs can be barriers, newer systems are becoming more affordable and adaptable, including solar-powered and offline-capable options. Farms that have already implemented these solutions are experiencing reduced theft, improved productivity, and enhanced safety and compliance.
He concluded by stating that farms are evolving into high-tech operations, similar to any modern business, and require robust systems to protect people, assets, and outputs. “By investing in smart surveillance and biometric access control, farmers can secure their operations, gain valuable insights, and build a foundation for sustainable growth in the future.
