This piece discusses how Florida’s agricultural sector uses Txtsignal’s text messaging platform to support the Florida Automated Weather Network (FAWN) Freeze Alert system.
How It Works
Florida farmers depend on freeze monitoring during winter months despite the state’s typically warm climate. FAWN operates 42 automated weather stations across Florida to provide growers with temperature data and alerts.
According to Rick Lusher, FAWN’s Project Manager, the primary freeze protection method involves “running sprinklers during cold nights causes a layer of ice to form over plant surfaces” to insulate crops.
The Freeze Alert System
The Freeze Alert system sends farmers four text notifications per freeze event—two indicating temperature decline and two signaling when temperatures rise. This allows growers to optimize sprinkler usage, potentially saving two hours of water per cold event.
Lusher notes that participating farmers can reduce watering duration “from eight to 10 hours” down to “four to six hours,” translating to substantial cost and resource savings across thousands of acres.
Why SMS Works
SMS-based alerts work reliably in remote field locations where internet connectivity may be limited, making text messaging advantageous over app-based solutions for agricultural operations.