How to get value from agricultural data

Methods of generating value from farm data might differ based on adoption level, but there are some universal truths – namely the need to employ proper comparison trials and analysis techniques.

Indeed, some experts in Ontario, Canada, see the failure of many growers and tech-advocates to conduct proper field trials of precision-ag technologies as a notable barrier to wider adoption.

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Informed risk management and precision agronomy can be employed early in the growing season. This can mean monitoring weather impacts in each field, scouting and tracking crop stressors. – Photo: Matt McIntosh

Take the time to learn

“Are you actually going to analyse the data in a timely fashion? Make sure you take the time to learn,” says Dale Cowan, senior agronomist and sales manager with AGRIS and Wanstead Cooperatives – a grain marketing and farm-input supply company based in the province’s Southwest region.

As an agronomist specialising in 4R nutrient management and precision-ag technologies (AGRIS and Wanstead Cooperatives operate a wide variety of precision data services for farm clients), Mr Cowan says the first hurdle any successful data-generator must jump is determining what they’re trying to do, what data needs to be collected to do it, and from where.

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Dale Cowan: “Are you actually going to analyse the data in a timely fashion? Make sure you take the time to learn.” – Photo: Dale Cowan

Good agronomy should take top priority

This, he says, applies universally – from the most entrenched analogue to the most tech-driven producers. Indeed, Mr Cowan emphasises good agronomy should always take top priority in any field crop management system. Data generated in this context will inherently have more value.

It’s also important to get help interpreting data, if required, and to keep all raw data. This latter point is particularly important in preventing data loss as it is transferred through different formats and platforms.

Record keeping crucial for any tech improvement

Nicole Rabe, land resource specialist with Ontario’s provincial ministry of agriculture (Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs), shares Cowan’s view that ag-tech should be driven by agronomy rather than “shiny” pieces of equipment – many of which she says do not fundamentally fix basic agronomic issues, referring to them as “solutions searching for a problem.”

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Before you jump in, ask yourself, what shape is my farm in? What are my basic issues and can I fix those first?

Poor record keeping in the first place, by extension, means improvements brought by precision technologies cannot be accurately quantified or realised.

“Before you jump in, ask yourself, what shape is my farm in? What are my basic issues and can I fix those first? Then what input do I find the most risky and has a need for better management?” says Ms Rabe. “You need to have a basic understanding of your bottom line.”

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Nicole Rabe: “You need to have a basic understanding of your bottom line.” – Photo: Nicole Rabe

Want to learn more about how to generate value from farm data? Read the full story, including steps for advanced tech-users and information on how to succesfully conduct trials in the digital issue of Future Farming.