Get the environmental data you need for livestock and crop production and other farm and ranch activities. This lightweight, handheld, multi-function meter can be used inside and out for barn/facility condition assessments to spraying decisions where both wind speed and direction must be recorded. This comprehensive meter will deliver spot measurements, log and store data, and aid in auditing and record keeping. The Kestrel 5500AG is easily carried in a pocket or glove box and is ready to help whenever and wherever needed. Its rugged build and waterproof case mean it can work as hard as you do. Be prepared: be informed of local and micro-climate environments at your site. Clip the Kestrel 5500AG into the optional Kestrel 5 Series Rotating Vane Mount and you have a sturdy weather station that can be left in place for days or weeks.
Spray Management
The Kestrel 5500AG provides Delta T measurements to aid in assessing acceptable spraying conditions and ensure you're within guidelines. Based upon ambient temperature and dew point, Delta-T provides guidance on the evaporation rate of sprayed chemicals to help you select the right spray nozzle. The compass provides direction to minimize spray drift. The Kestrel 5500AG calculates and logs on-site Delta T, wind speed, and direction without any additional user input. When combined with the Kestrel’s average wind and max wind gust measurements, agriculture professionals can ensure they spray safely, every time. Use an accessory carry pouch to keep your Kestrel handy on your belt, ready to go before any spraying operations.
Heat Stress Management with THI:
THI, (Temperature-Humidity Index) has been used for decades as a measure to classify heat stress risk in many livestock production and transportation operations. This measurement includes both temperature and relative humidity and is a basis for both strategic and tactical management practices which benefit animal health, productivity and well-being. The Kestrel 5500AG calculates and logs on-site THI based on user selection of either the NRC(National Research Council, 1971) or Yousef(Yousef, 1985) accepted THI calculations. Objective and accurate site-specific measurements are critical to ensuring a heat stress management strategy that is cost effective; and they're at your fingertips with the 5500AG.
Barn / Housing Ventilation Assessments:
Regardless of the type of barn/house design all livestock require proper ventilation and air movement to maximize health, growth, and comfort. The Kestrel 5500AG provides wind speed and air flow measurements to quickly quantify air movement in the vicinity of livestock, locate drafts, measure fan effectiveness and confirm duct discharge velocity. Volume air flow takes duct shape and dimensions into account and allows for accurate comparison of various locations in a system. No calculator is needed to determine airflow with the Kestrel 5500AG - a few quick menu picks and built-in averaging gives you accurate readings instantly. For ducts that are out of reach, use the Kestrel LiNK app to view your Kestrel mounted on an extension pole with the Kestrel 5 Series Clip (requires LiNK option).
Microclimate, Harvest and Storage Conditions:
Many livestock professionals also grow and store grains, hay and other feedstuffs. The Kestrel 5500AG can measure micro-climates around the farm to determine where mold and disease may be a problem, ensuring conditions are right for harvesting, drying, and storage. Leave the Kestrel 5500AG in place anywhere in the field, barn or greenhouse to get a graphical history of overnight conditions, (the Kestrel 5 Series Rotating Vane Mount and a ¼-20 camera clamp or tripod makes it easy).