Preserving Agriculture

South Dakota operation employs security in rural setting

A large agriculture operation in central South Dakota selected Dakota Security Systems to deploy an IP video surveillance system consisting of two HD megapixel indoor dome cameras and 12 HD megapixel exterior dome cameras from IQinVision. All camera input is managed by Milestone XProtect video management software through an NVR located in the farm’s central shop office. Surveillance footage is recorded and stored for a minimum of 30 days at six frames per second.

Wireless Mesh Network

Seven of the exterior cameras are connected to the system remotely by a Tropos Networks wireless mesh network that transmits the images from various areas of the farm, some from as far as 4,000 feet away from where the network equipment is located. Dakota Security’s wireless infrastructure not only transmits the camera images to be recorded by the NVR but also provides secure wireless Internet access at broadband speeds. Secure wireless Internet access is available throughout the main property, fields and the original homestead, located nearly one mile away.

The owner of this farm does not live onsite with the buildings and equipment, and while the operation has not experienced any major problems with vandalism or theft, leveraging an advanced IP video security system empowers the owner to be well prepared for any trouble that may occur. Farm equipment and outbuildings can be worth tens of thousands of dollars, or more. One unobserved or unsolved incident is more than most farming operations can handle.

Having an IP video surveillance system allows the owner to connect remotely to the cameras from anywhere to view live or recorded surveillance footage of his buildings, equipment and operations from his laptop, smartphone or tablet device. This ability to connect remotely when he is traveling.

The owner of this IP video system previously had an analog surveillance system installed by what he described as a one-man, “fly-by-night” security installer. The legacy analog system had major limitations: it could be viewed only locally with a TV monitor, and it did not offer the benefits of IP video, including high-resolution images, remote access, flexibility, scalability and ease of use. The owner described installing the old analog system as a “learning experience.” He was never able to get support for the equipment, and after a power surge, the system never recovered and lost its value and utility quite quickly.

Benefits of a Connected Operation

Having secure wireless Internet access from anywhere on the expansive property provides many benefits beyond surveillance for the modern-day agricultural operation. For example, the owner is now able to record all of his chemical application notes into his laptop onsite, while he is performing the work, and then email the paperwork from the field. The site’s agronomist also is able to record all of his notes and have them uploaded directly from the farm while he is performing the work. Such accurate, instant information can improve the speed and efficiency of an operation while safeguarding all the data—all of which contributes positively to the operation’s bottom line.

The IP video system owner also sees many future benefits of having a connected farm operation, including bin and fuel storage monitoring. Controlling and monitoring buildings, equipment and operations from a remote location makes his operation more efficient, he said. The owner added that he likes the flexibility of the wireless mesh network and foresees future expansion that includes the ability to extend video surveillance to more of his buildings and property.

Continued Support is Crucial

In addition to selecting Dakota Security to design and install the IP video and wireless mesh components, the owner also selected the company to provide continued support for his system. By selecting a premium support plan, he is able to control service costs on the system and ensure 100 percent uptime. For an absentee owner, such support enables him to have a state-of-the art system without having to worry about maintenance or having the technical know-how required to ensure its functionality. Such plans usually provide regular inspections, preventative maintenance and training to ensure that security standards and system performance are maintained.

Contributing to the Bottom Line

IP video and wireless mesh network systems provide ease of use, scalability, flexibility and operational efficiencies that have the potential to provide a significant return in relatively short order and to deliver significant security benefits for many years into the future. Anyone who knows about farming knows that employing such technology to increase security and create greater efficiencies is essential to maintaining the operation and creating measureable profit.

This article originally appeared in the November 2012 issue of Security Today.

Featured

  • Pragmatism, Productivity, and the Push for Accountability in 2025-2026

    Every year, the security industry debates whether artificial intelligence is a disruption, an enabler, or a distraction. By 2025, that conversation matured, where AI became a working dimension in physical identity and access management (PIAM) programs. Observations from 2025 highlight this turning point in AI’s role in access control and define how security leaders are being distinguished based on how they apply it. Read Now

  • Report: Cyber Attackers Continue to Turn to AI-Based Tools to Avoid Detection

    Comcast Business recently released its 2025 Cybersecurity Threat Report, a comprehensive analysis of 34.6 billion cybersecurity events detected between June 1,2024 and May 31, 2025. Now in its third year, the report offers business leaders a unique perspective into the evolving threat landscape and provides actionable insights to help organizations strengthen their defenses and align cybersecurity with business risk. Read Now

  • Axis Communications Creates AI-powered Video Surveillance Orchestra

    What if cameras could not only see the world, but interpret it—and respond like orchestra musicians reading sheet music: instantly, precisely, and in perfect harmony? That’s what global network technology leader Axis Communications set to find out. Read Now

  • Just as Expected

    GSX produced a wonderful tradeshow earlier this week. Monday was surprisingly strong in the morning, and the afternoon wasn’t bad at all. That’s Monday’s results and asking attendees to travel on Sunday. Just a quick hint, no one wants to give up their weekend to travel and set up an exhibit booth. I’m just saying. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • GSX
  • NOLA: The Crescent City

    Twenty years later we finds ourselves in New Orleans. Twenty years ago the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina forced exhibitors and attendees to look elsewhere for tradeshow floor space. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • GSX

New Products

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.