Cameras & Farm Security Monitoring Category Guide

Security on Dairy Farms

Dairy farms have valuable assets—animals, equipment, supplies, and products—that need protection. Modern security systems also enable remote monitoring of operations, allowing farmers to check on the farm from anywhere and respond quickly to problems.

Camera Systems

Types of Cameras

• IP cameras: Network-connected with high resolution
• Analog cameras: Traditional systems, lower cost
• PTZ cameras: Pan-tilt-zoom for flexible coverage
• Specialty cameras: Low-light, thermal, rugged designs

Common Applications

• Calving pens for remote observation
• Barn and facility monitoring
• Equipment storage security
• Entrance and access points
• Feed storage and commodity areas

Recording and Storage

• On-site NVR/DVR systems
• Cloud-based recording services
• Storage capacity planning
• Retention policies

Access Control

Physical Access

• Gate and door locks
• Keypad or card access
• Automatic gates
• Visitor management

Biosecurity Integration

• Controlled entry points
• Visitor logging
• Vehicle access management
• Quarantine area security

Remote Monitoring

• Smartphone apps for camera viewing
• Motion alerts and notifications
• Integration with farm management systems
• Two-way audio for communication

Installation Considerations

• Network infrastructure requirements
• Power supply and backup
• Harsh environment protection
• Professional vs. DIY installation

Cost Considerations

Basic camera systems start at $500-2,000 for a few cameras. Comprehensive farm coverage with professional installation runs $5,000-20,000+. Cloud recording adds $10-50 monthly per camera. Access control systems cost $500-2,000 per controlled door. Consider ongoing costs for recording, monitoring, and maintenance.