Growth Degree Days (GDD) is a centuries old method of tracking and predicting farm growth. Originally invented by Rene de Reamur in 1735, GDD acknowledges this truth: Crops, among all other plants, begin their growth after a certain temperature, usually in the early spring as temperatures rise. As the temperature rises above that base temperature, so too does the rate of growth of the crop rise. According to GDD, it is the accumulation of degrees above that base temperature that can predict different landmarks in a crops development, wether that be a lot of degrees above in a few days or a few degrees above over many days.

Additionally, GDD can also be used to predict when certain pests would become problems during the season, allowing farmers to time pesticide applications, making their use more effective, both in cost and pest resistance!