Merit-IoT
Self-Help Questionnaire:

Find out: Is IoT Right for Our Farm?

Tech-savvy or just curious? Learn about insightful farming, and the supports and the next steps that make sense for you.

Note: This page is intended for information and educational purposes only. We do not record or upload any of your responses in this questionnaire. Merit-IoT is strictly opposed to capturing or profiting from your personal information. We will never sell or share your data with third parties, social media outlets or advertisers. Read our full privacy policy.

Section 1: Start here and work your way down

1. What’s motivating you to explore IoT or precision tools?
(Choose all that apply)

  • Rising input costs (water, fertilizer, energy)
  • Climate unpredictability affecting yields
  • Soil health concerns or degradation
  • Labour shortages or task delays
  • Pests/disease catching me off guard
  • I just want more peace of mind and better decisions

Section 2: What Do You Want to Measure or Control?

2. Which of the following areas would you like better insight into?

  • Soil moisture (wet/dry zones, irrigation needs)
  • Temperature and humidity (greenhouse or storage)
  • Crop health or stress (blight, wilt, nutrition)
  • Equipment runtime (pumps, fans, fuel use)
  • Livestock location or barn environment
  • Weather conditions (wind, rainfall, frost alerts)

Section 3: What’s Your Operating Setup?

3. What type of farm or environment are you managing?

  • Row crops (e.g., potatoes, corn, soy)
  • Orchard or vine
  • Mixed farm or rotational
  • Greenhouse or indoor grow
  • Livestock or poultry
  • Market garden / intensive small-scale

4. Is your equipment mostly...

  • Manual or legacy (non-digital)
  • Partially automated (e.g., timers, thermostats)
  • Modern and connected
  • A mix of old and new

Section 4: Power, Internet, and Signal

5. Do you have wireless or internet access in the areas you'd like to monitor?

  • Yes—good Wi-Fi or LTE across most of the farm
  • Only near the office or house
  • Very limited or none

6. Do you have power available at those locations?

  • AC power (plug-in)
  • 12V battery or solar system
  • No power—would need standalone battery or solar

Section 5: How Comfortable Are You With Technology?

7. Which best describes you?

  • I’m hands-on and like trying new tools
  • I can manage if setup is straightforward
  • I prefer plug-and-play solutions
  • I’d need support or training

8. What’s your current way of tracking information?

  • Notebook or clipboard
  • Spreadsheet or Google Docs
  • Whiteboard or dry-erase in the barn
  • App/software
  • I don’t track—just go by gut

Section 6: What Kind of Decision Support Would You Value?

9. How would you prefer to use data from sensors?

  • Just show me the numbers—I’ll decide
  • Give me alerts when something’s out of range
  • Help me see patterns over time
  • Suggest next actions or automate simple tasks

Scroll Down for Your Readiness Profile

✅ You’re Ready to Explore!
(12 or more points)
You’ve got clear goals, interest in specific outcomes, and a willingness to engage with tools that make your farm more transparent and less reactive. Your next move is identifying what to measure first and how to do it in a manageable, low-disruption way. We'd love to be part of your project. Text +1 (902) 719-2516 to arrange a consultation.

✅ You’re IoT Curious—Start Small!
(5-11 points)
You’re interested but may be unsure where to start. Look for simple monitoring ideas in areas that presently cost you time or cause uncertainty. You don’t need to automate anything yet. A small project may result in a visible benefit. Text +1 (902) 719-2516 for the next steps.

✅ You May Need to Build Some Foundations First
(0-4 points)
If connectivity or power are major challenges, your best first step may be infrastructure preparation: signal testing, battery support, or consulting with a local technician. Text +1 (902) 719-2516 for tips on getting started.

For further information reach out to us:

Merit-IoT Agricultural Computing
c/o Brian Butts-Heide
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Canada

[email protected]
Brian's mobile: +1 (902) 719-2516

Gain more knowledge about IoT
@ Merit-IoT's Free Lunch and Learn