A Question from Your Ag Dealer: Are You Using Your Farm Data?

Ag Dealers Ask

There has been a serious shift in farming over the last 15+ years, as smart farming technology penetrated and eventually dominated the worldwide agricultural market. As your local ag dealer, we’ve seen the changes first-hand. Once, you could buy a small tractor, implements and a combine as used farm equipment in Red Deer, and start a reasonably successful small farm. Now, even used farm equipment comes with smart sensors, Wi-fi, GPS and computer chips—and they’re all necessary if you want to stay in business.  

At this point, some Alberta farmers have accumulated 20 years of ag data—but are they using it? Ironically, the data suggests they aren’t. The challenge lies in interpreting these gigabytes and terabytes of data effectively. Farmers don’t necessarily have the time or training to transform raw data into actionable farm management directives. 

What Factors Hold Growers Back from Maximising Farm Data? 

"Time is always at a premium for farmers," says agronomist Aaron Breimer. "Whether it's planting, completing chores, business planning, or spending time with family.” He notes that while many farmers have access to geographical information systems (GIS) software, which organises and overlays GPS-generated data, these tools require regular interaction to be fully utilised. Farmers might only engage with their data a few times a year, spending precious hours reacquainting themselves with the software's nuances. Consequently, the more powerful features of these platforms often go unused. 

Breimer highlights a key issue: The current model for agricultural data involves software platforms sold to end users who must then interpret the data themselves. While high-end interpretation tools exist, industry experts who can explain these tools are also constrained by time. Agronomists, for example, juggle in-field challenges and crop input sales support, much like accountants managing multiple clients. End-users would ideally do the same, but again—time and training are the issues.  

Digital Farming Communities May be the Answer 

Some farmers, including those in the UK and the Great Lakes region, have come up with a solution: Great Lakes Yield Enhancement Network (YEN). According to their website, “The goal of the YEN is to connect agricultural organisations, extension specialists, academics, agronomists, and farmers who are striving to improve crop returns by unlocking the potential of the field by closing the gap between potential yield and actual yield.” The program is still quite new and in development, which means that 2024’s participant caps have already been met.  

Farmers who are participating in the Great Lakes YEN have collected soil, tissue and grain samples and will continue to do so throughout the year. These are collected at a central location and analysed, along with data concerning crop inputs and growth stages. Recordkeeping is crucial, and of course supported by the array of smart sensors and data points monitored by your smart farm equipment. International farmers interested in joining an available farm network adjacent to the Great Lakes YEN can find multiple networks on the YEN website.  

Trust Your Local Ag Dealer (that’s us!) for New & Used Farm Equipment with Smart Technology 

At Future Ag, we stock the best brand-new and pre-owned farming equipment on the market. Visit any of our Alberta locations to check out what’s in stock and speak to us about testing out a new piece of machinery! 

We look forward to serving you.