Managing for Profit

Precision Ag headed towards decision ag?

The Context Network started nearly 20 years ago doing multi-client reports for the seed and crop protection industries.  Senior Associate Kip Pendleton says the network has evolved into a global consulting company with offices based in Des Moines and St. Louis but also around the world.

The Network recently published a report on the future of Precision Agriculture.  Pendleton tells Brownfield precision ag is defined by the user.

“For some people it’s as simple as steering on their tractor.  For others its as complex as a decision support system like Climate Corp might offer.”

He says he hopes the report helps people understand the evolution of precision ag based on feedback from growers and other experts.

“Precision ag in many ways is mature.  And when I say precision ag: tools on machines, such as steering or yield monitors or planting controls, are maturing.  They’re becoming standard OEM offerings versus after-market items you might buy to use on the farm.”

He says the tools that people are putting around their field are accelerating.

“Let’s say it’s a water monitor or a weather station, or some other type of insight monitor that they’re utilizing either on their field or focused on their field.  Shoebox satellites or UAV’s, all of which we cover in the report.”

Pendleton tells Brownfield the last area growers talked about has to do with all the different intelligent systems that he calls “decision ag.”

“That is all of the systems that take information off the machine, off of the field, and roll it up to be able to turn millions of data points into knowledge.  But most important, operating action.”

The report is subscription based but Pendleton wanted to share some of the findings with the public.