Frequently asked questions

No. SmartYield’s assessment system uses its proprietary, science-based Yield Discount methodology. It evaluates site characteristics, historical climate conditions and crop requirements to assess suitability and yield potential. Illustrative AI-generated imagery in promotional materials and book covers is separate from those calculations.

Yes. SmartYield identifies supported field crops suited to your land and climate, providing a foundation for planning regenerative systems that combine crops and livestock. It helps assess crop options, planting opportunities and site limitations. Fodder production, livestock capacity and regenerative management require additional advice.

SmartYield compares location-specific historical climate conditions with crop requirements throughout the growing cycle. Rainfall, minimum and maximum temperature, humidity, sunlight hours, frost and excess rainfall are considered across four growth stages. The timing of these conditions helps identify potential limitations and suitable planting periods.

SmartYield™ uses ERA5, the internationally recognised global climate record from the European Copernicus Climate Change Service, accessed via Open-Meteo.com. Every Site Suitability Assessment draws on ten complete years of daily ERA5 data for your property’s exact location and elevation. We then turn it into a 52-week profile of temperature, rainfall, sunshine, humidity, frost and heavy-rain risk, so each crop is tested against the conditions it would face at every growth stage.

Each crop has different requirements during establishment, vegetative growth, reproduction and maturing. SmartYield aligns these stages with site and historical climate conditions to assess potential stress, suitability and yield. This helps explain why crops can respond differently at the same location.

The framework combines 10 site variables with 28 climate variables. Site variables cover soil characteristics, topography, drainage, elevation, field conditions and management-related constraints. The 28 climate variables represent seven climate factors assessed at each of four crop growth stages. Identified limitations contribute to the Total Yield Discount and suitability classification.

The SmartYield Field Crop Register includes winter or cool-season and summer or warm-season crops, covering cereals, oilseeds, pulses and other supported field crops. Crop candidates are selected for the applicable climate and seasonal production system. The register shows the available crop range; it does not mean every crop is suitable for every property.

SmartYield™ is a rapid desktop assessment, with reports delivered within 10 business days. It does not require scheduling a site visit. The elapsed time for a traditional assessment depends on consultant availability, travel, fieldwork, testing and report preparation. Ask the consultant for a timeline matched to the proposed scope.

SmartYield™ evaluates crop biological requirements against site information and location-specific historical climate data, using a consistent, science-based methodology. It can screen a wider range of supported summer and winter field crops than an assessment focused on only one or two crops. Accuracy depends on the quality of the input data and the suitability of the methodology for the site. An on-site assessment can verify local conditions, soils, drainage and management factors that desktop information may not capture. The two approaches are complementary: use SmartYield for first-stage due diligence, then investigate important findings on site.

SmartYield™ costs A$599 for one field, A$799 for two fields or A$999 for three fields at the same climate location. An on-site assessment is usually quoted according to its scope, consultant time, travel, testing and reporting. For illustration only, 5–10 consultant days at A$500–A$2,000 per day would mean A$2,500–A$20,000 in professional fees, before any additional costs. This is an illustrative calculation, not a quoted market rate or a like-for-like comparison. SmartYield’s fixed-price desktop assessment is intended as an affordable first stage of due diligence; detailed field investigations may still be needed.

Explore the Science explains the Yield Discount methodology and links to infographics about site variables, historical climate, crop biology and the crop register. The Global Validation Executive Summary presents the validation approach and findings.

Choose one, two or three homogeneous fields or management units at the same climate location. Each is assessed independently within one report. The report includes site and historical climate analysis, crop suitability, key limitations, estimated rainfed yields, a What-If Irrigation scenario and Best Plant Week for assessed crops.

It can, depending on the consultant’s expertise and the agreed brief. SmartYield™ is specifically designed to systematically compare the biological requirements of supported field crops with site and historical climate conditions, including summer and winter crop options. This gives you a consistent starting point for identifying what may work and where more detailed investigation is needed.

Advisors provide independent professional expertise and agricultural guidance. Strategic Partners help people discover relevant agricultural products, technologies and commercial services. Each programme has its own participation and subscription arrangements.

Start with the relevant programme page for current subscription details, inclusions and application information. Subscriptions are subject to SmartYield™ approval. Terms and conditions apply.

Yes. SmartYield is building a global agricultural community. Explore the Advisor and product/service directories for relevant listings, and check each provider’s location and service coverage. Participation and availability will vary by country.

Each Strategic Partner country account covers one country and allows up to three product listings. You choose the products to feature. You can participate in as many countries as you wish, including listing the same products in different countries. The three-product limit applies separately to each country account; it is not a limit of three suppliers in a country.

Strategic Partner subscriptions cost A$99 for 1 Listing, A$198 for 2 Listings or A$297 for 3 Listings per Country Account annually. SmartYield™ Advisor subscriptions cost A$250 annually. Applications are subject to SmartYield™ approval. See the relevant programme page for details and application links.

SmartYield membership is free, with no annual membership fee. Farmers, landowners, investors, agricultural professionals and agribusinesses are welcome. Assessments, paid resources and Advisor or Strategic Partner subscriptions are separate. The membership page explains current benefits.

Use the account management page for your account details and subscription services. Contact the SmartYield team for support or questions that are not answered here.

Formats vary by publication. Check the individual resource page for digital and printed options, current pricing and availability.

Yes. The library is intended to expand into topics including irrigation and best management practice, with opportunities for co-authored material. Forthcoming titles will be marked as in development until they are available. Each publication will identify its authors and contributors.