Surveillance is important on all farms. Farm security cameras keep livestock and crops protected, and make it possible to monitor work on large scale farms.
Installing farm security cameras for the first time can be daunting.
Get started by discovering the best farm security cameras available, including wireless farm security cameras, farm security cameras without wifi, and affordable barn cameras.
How to Choose Farm Security Cameras: Essential Features to Look Out For
There’s three main reasons for installing surveillance on a farm. Below, discover some of the farm security camera features we recommend for each of the reasons.
1. Livestock Monitoring
Monitoring animals in an enclosure, barn, or incubator is useful, especially during calving season. It could also be outdoors.
It’s unusual for farmers to monitor animals while they are grazing, but it shouldn’t be ruled out, especially if an animal has recently died or been killed while outside under unknown circumstances.
Essential Security Camera Features for Livestock:
- Weatherproofing
- Hardy exterior that can be easily cleaned
- Night vision
- Continuous recording
2. Crop Monitoring
Keeping an eye on crops and other plants is a good idea if something appears to be eating or destroying them.
A night vision camera with a built-in siren will spot furry trespassers and frighten them away.
Security cameras with advanced AI features like animal detection make this process more streamlined. This significantly reduces the amount of unnecessary notifications.
Essential Security Camera Features for Monitoring Crops:
- Siren
- Weatherproofing
- Night vision
- Animal detection
3. Property Monitoring
A farm might have a sprawling property on it, which makes it all the more important to have security cameras covering vulnerable spaces.
Much like regular homes, all entrances to buildings on the farm should have surveillance monitoring them either through a window or from a high vantage point outside.
Essential Security Camera Features for Managing a Farm:
- Spotlights/Floodlights
- Motion detection
- Weatherproofing
- Two-way audio
6 Best Farm Security Cameras
Once you’ve got a good idea of what needs monitoring on the farm, it’s time to pick farm security cameras. Take a look at these 6 awesome choices for best farm security cameras below.
- Best outdoor security cameras for rural areas – Sansco Wireless Security Camera System
- Best farm security cameras without wifi – Arlo Go
- Best long range farm surveillance camera – Usogood Trail Camera Wifi 24MP 1296P
- Best farm security cameras solar powered – Reolink Go
- Best farm security camera system – ADT
- Best wireless farm security camera – AlfredCam Plus
Sansco Wireless Security Camera System
Best outdoor security cameras for rural areas
Available on Amazon. From $299.99.
Pros
- 2K footage looks great
- 8 cameras will cover larger farms
- 3TB NVR
Cons
- Cameras must be plugged in, which may limit where they can be put on farm
- No two-way audio
Farms are large spaces, so when it comes to outdoor monitoring, getting as much bang for your buck is a priority. This well-priced 8 camera kit from Sansco does just that. The IP66 rating means cameras can be safely installed outside.
2K footage looks great, smart motion detection differentiates between humans and non-humans, and the NVR footage can be accessed from mobile devices. Each camera is powered by a plug, but coaxial cables aren’t needed for transferring footage, which is done over the internet.
Key Specifications
- 2K HD video
- 3TB 8 Channel NVR
- Audio
- Plug-in power
- Infrared night vision
- IP66 weatherproof
- Person detection
- NVR interfaces with phones
Arlo Go 2
Best farm security cameras without wifi
Available on Arlo. From $249.99.
Pros
- 3G and 4G mobile data
- SD card backup in case internet cuts out
- Spotlight is great for outdoor use
Cons
- 1080p resolution falls short of other Arlo cameras.
- Expensive
This IP65 weather-resistant outdoor security camera from Arlo has a SIM card slot, so farms that don’t have Wi-Fi or are located in rural areas can still get farm security using 4G data.
Crisp 1080p HD video, two-way audio, Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant support, and advanced motion detection features make it perfect for monitoring different areas of a farm; particularly outside, thanks to the built-in spotlight that illuminates dark areas.
Key Specifications
- 1080p HD
- 130-degree field of view
- Two-way Audio
- Built-in siren
- Infrared night vision
- 3G/4G compatible
- Person detection
- Built-in spotlight
Usogood Trail Camera Wifi 24MP 1296P
Best long range farm surveillance camera
Available on Amazon. From $89.99.
Pros
- 65-foot detection range
- Wi-Fi-enabled, with a corresponding app
- Battery powered (8 x AA)
Cons
- Wi-Fi setup can be awkward
- IR lights shine downward, limiting the effective range of the camera at night time
In our article on long-range security cameras, we highlighted the Usogood Trail Camera as an excellent choice for long range surveillance. Trail cams shine as long range farm surveillance cameras, since they are purpose-built for animal watching.
1296p clips look (and sound) great, and users can connect a phone to the device to download the footage. 120-degree field of view is enough for smaller spaces, while the IP66 rating and infrared night vision mean it can be left outside 24/7.
Key Specifications
- 4K HD
- 120-degree field of view
- Audio
- microSD card slot
- Super fast motion detection
- IP66 waterproof
- Infrared night vision
- 8 AA batteries
- Camouflage design
Large open spaces might be too large to monitor with a regular security camera. If you’re struggling to get a visual grip on your farm, check out our picks for long-range security cameras.
Reolink Go Plus
Best farm security cameras solar powered
Available on Reolink. From € 211.99.
Pros
- Solar Panel isn’t built into the camera, allowing for greater freedom positioning it
- Sharp 2K video
- SD card supports up to 128 GB storage
Cons
- No Wi-Fi
- No 5G
The Reolink Go Plus is an affordable alternative to the similarly-named Arlo Go (it uses 4G LTE rather than Wi-Fi) and a great way to take advantage of the sun, with optional solar power.
It’s particularly handy for farmers that intend to move the camera around frequently for grazing. Night vision and motion sensor technology make the camera useful in most lighting conditions, so you can receive alerts day or night.
Key Specifications
- 2K HD
- 120-degree field of view
- 16x digital zoom
- Two-way Audio
- microSD card slot
- 3G/4G LTE
- Motion detection
- IP66 waterproof
- Infrared night vision
ADT
Best farm security camera system
Quotes available from ADT.
Pros
- 24/7 professional monitoring
- Professional installation
- Packages can be tailored to farm needs
Cons
- Very expensive upfront
- Monthly costs
For larger scale farms, a fully fledged farm security system is worth considering, primarily because it’ll come with 24/7 professional monitoring.
ADT packages combine cameras, alarms, and more, allowing farmers to get a hold on all aspects of the property. Pricing is quote by quote, and you can expect semi-regular fees for maintenance, upkeep, cloud storage, and professional monitoring.
AlfredCam Plus
Best wireless farm security cameras
Available on AlfredCamera and Amazon. From $49.99
Pros
- Wide, clear 2K footage
- Variety of mounting methods
- Animal detection (Premium only)
Cons
- No mobile data support
- Wired
The latest hardware security camera from the Alfred team, AlfredCam Plus, makes a wonderfully inexpensive farm security camera. With an IP65 rating, it can be used to monitor indoor and outdoor areas in the farm with ease.
2K resolution makes the most of the camera’s wide field of view, while Premium users get access to all new AI enhanced animal detection, which enables recording and notifications only when an animal is spotted. Sound the built in siren to scare off any pests it detects.
Key Specifications
- 2K HD
- 130-degree field of view
- Two-way Audio
- Built in siren
- microSD card included
- Animal detection
- IP65 waterproof
- Infrared night vision
Farm Security: 5 Reasons You Need Farm Security Cameras
Don’t brush rural farm security cameras off as unnecessary—no matter the scale of a farm, it should be treated like any other business place.
Here’s 5 important benefits of farm security cameras.
1. Keep the property safe
A farm is a workplace that many people are reliant on. Going without security cameras in offices and storefronts is unheard of–why should a farm be any different?
Although rural areas are safer, a farm and its contents are vulnerable to theft and trespassing. Installing rural farm security cameras is the most important measure to take to protect them.
I use it in South Africa to protect my workers and my family from farm attacks. I have constructed a solar charging system for the phones in the fields.
AlfredCamera User
2. Track and locate pests
Whether its foxes, rodents, or something else entirely, pests negatively impact productivity and output on a farm.
Vegetation is most at risk, but in areas where birds of prey, hyenas, bears, or wolves are known to roam, livestock may also be affected.
Without surveillance, it’s difficult to get a handle on the situation or even figure out what is responsible. Farm security cameras not only allow farmers to see what’s happening at all times, they can also frighten off pests with built-in sirens.
Love the app and I use it to monitor farm animals in a remote location. The camera phone is in a waterproof box with a glass window and powered via a car charger connected to a 12v battery. Ive got it on 3g as there’s no WiFi in this remote area. It all works well. [sic]
AlfredCamera User
3. Calving, foaling, lambing
At the first signs of spring, farms anticipate the arrival of foals, calves, lambs, and other baby animals.
As wonderful as the arrival of new life is, it’s a pretty stressful and busy time for farms.
Surveillance is essential for a successful birthing season, allowing farmers to keep an eye on mothers all over the farm, make sure they are safe, and step in as and when necessary to aid successful deliveries.
4. Feed and water monitoring
Save time by checking feed and water levels through a farm security camera.
Easily tap onto the live feed at any time rather than conducting physical checks that involve maneuvering around the entire farm.
5. Home security
If a farm has a house on it that the owner lives in, security can be used there in addition to buildings on the farm.
After all, farm security cameras are just as important for the successful and safe functioning of the farm as they are for home security.
Use them for more casual purposes associated with home security, such as watching pets, kids, and discovering packages left at the door.
l’ve had Alfred for sometime, and it’s a big help on a farm, with security, watching kids, farm animals, etc.
AlfredCamera User
New to home security? Here’s what you need to know about home security.
Alfred on the Farm – Using AlfredCamera for incubation
With potentially dozens of areas needing security camera coverage on a farm, the AlfredCamera app is a simple solution for monitoring things that aren’t prioritized, like incubators.
Easily turn an old phone into an incubation camera by downloading AlfredCamera on it for free, or by plugging in an AlfredCam or AlfredCam Plus security camera to keep an observant eye on things.
Aside from staying up to date on the incubation process using the live feed, surveillance is an important line of defense against foxes and other animals.
Activate Alfred’s built-in sirens to scare them off immediately.
Try Alfred now by downloading it for free on iOS and Android devices.
FAQ
Do farmers have cameras in their fields?
Farmers might have CCTV in their fields. A farm is a business place like any other, so it isn’t unreasonable to monitor some fields.
What are some common issues with farm security cameras and how to troubleshoot?
Maintaining a Wi-Fi connection in rural areas is a common issue with farm security cameras. If continually struggling to maintain a connection in larger areas, consider security cameras that use mobile data. Otherwise, set up Wi-Fi extenders across the property to relay the signal.
Get more ideas on how to get better internet in rural areas.
What kind of weather resistance do I need for my farm security cameras?
IP65 water and dust resistance is adequate for farm security cameras. Weather resistance won’t always be necessary for barn cameras depending on the integrity of the roof, but it is essential for outdoor surveillance.
Should I choose wired or wireless farm security cameras?
Wired farm security cameras in large scale farms will require professional installation and maintenance, but may be useful if intending to record CCTV footage continuously.
Wireless farm security cameras are more convenient and useful for motion detection, but having an awareness of how good the Wi-Fi is in and around the farm is a must.
What is the coverage area I need for my farm security cameras?
Coverage for farm security cameras varies widely depending on the size of the farm. All buildings should be monitored by a camera inside and out. Fields may need to be monitored if pests are continually destroying crops or attacking grazing animals. If a house is on the farm, this should also be monitored as any other home would.
What kind of storage capacity should I look for in a farm security camera system?
For wired farm security camera systems, an NVR with at least 3TB will be necessary to capture footage from multiple cameras. These usually erase footage in chronological order as the storage maxes out. Wireless farm security cameras may benefit from cloud storage in order to have a constant source of reliable storage.
Conclusion
Farm security is important, so owners should consider investing in a farm security camera system with professional monitoring and maintenance options for long-term use.
AlfredCamera is a great way to ‘plug the gaps’ in farm monitoring since it’s a fast and affordable way to do interior surveillance. It’s particularly useful for monitoring incubators.