Calculate the ROI for Technology on Your Farm

Like many growers and livestock producers, you’ve probably vowed to keep up with technology, at least to some extent.

You’ve heard that technology can help you achieve new opportunities and greater success, using farm management software, crop traceability or carbon-capture data. But with so many programs and platforms available to agriculture, it can be daunting to know which to choose or where to begin.

That’s understandable. Adopting technology takes time, money and patience. It can be complex too. But what got U.S. agriculture to where it is today won’t get it to where it needs to be for the future. What will be necessary is a re-imagining of roles and skill sets on the farm, especially for assessing and implementing technology.

Full-Time Focus

I recently worked with an Iowa grower who, for the first time, hired an employee to focus exclusively on managing the farm’s technology platforms. Adding this expert will streamline the research and learning phase of new technology. Further, that employee has the skill sets to collect key metrics and analyze data for comparisons, improvements and even opportunity. In turn, that will help the grower focus on his operational management decisions as well as the strategic growth and success of his business. 

With the right skill sets on your farm, technology can offer a more proactive approach to your operations rather than the reactive mentality we’re often inclined to adopt. The insights and data derived from technology are essential in so many areas, from input costs and crop yields to carbon markets and water conservation. 

Moreover, technology will better equip you to participate in the premium programs offered by major food companies as well as conservation and carbon reduction programs. If you’re a corn grower, for example, you can use technology to provide data that show quickly and accurately whether you are compliant with a company’s purchasing requirements. 

Study and Test

One way to start your technology adoption is to pick one area to study and test. Ask around to see what others are using, its pros and cons. Remember, one size doesn’t fit all. A platform or program that works for row crops may not apply to livestock or greenhouse operations. Look for something that might be a priority need on your farm. That could be accounting, inventory tracking, equipment efficiency or a sustainability program. Find out if you can integrate that new technology with other programs you already use.

Even with a tech-savvy employee on board, you’ll still have to do some research. You’ll need patience and time. You’ll have to be willing to make some changes. But technology is critical. It’s used in so many ways and increasingly is becoming part of the farming landscape. By adopting the amazing tools of technology, you will better understand your operation, evaluate potential opportunities and set yourself up for success.

Is now the time to expand your tech expertise? See if you should consider at chief technology officer for your farm.

Kala’s insights have helped position agribusinesses for both survival and success – from agricultural lending, cash flow strategies and debt optimization to grain marketing, risk management and legacy building. A manager with Pinion (formerly KCoe), she is a proactive catalyst for agribusiness success – enabling their growth, optimization and expansion.
 [Email: Kala.Jenkins@pinionglobal.com]