Data will be the future of precision agriculture

Feb 01, 2019

Real-time decisions will drive profitability says Proagrica

“In an increasingly unstable market and chaotic world, precision ag gives the industry the ability to make real-time decisions that can drive profitability,” explains Ryan Hoffman, Territory Sales Manager at Proagrica.

Proagrica, a global provider of independent connectivity and data-driven support solutions for the agriculture and animal health industries, is Platinum Sponsor for this year’s Farms.com Precision Agriculture Conference & Ag Tech Showcase, taking place in London, Ontario, at the London Convention Centre on February 5th and 6th. Ag enthusiasts will attend presentations featuring over 50 precision ag speakers, covering topics from agronomy and soil performance to new technologies and artificial intelligence.

Hoffman will be giving a presentation on February 6th discussing Data Collection Tools and Creating Meaningful Analytics.

The past decade has seen large growth around precision agriculture technology, practices and ideas – largely fueled by the connection between precision ag companies and the end users, farmers.

“I encourage growers and industry professionals to attend the presentation and see how data that has been captured in the past can be transformed into meaningful analytics. Additionally, how data will be collected in the future and how that will drive the future of agriculture,” states Hoffman.

Ryan Hoffman, Territory Sales Manager at Proagrica

Having data stored in multiple platforms and different formats creates a challenge for precision ag producers.

“It becomes difficult to draw insights. Getting different systems to communicate is difficult, however, we at Proagrica have structures in place to translate data into a common language to deliver tangible insights. One core strength of Proagrica is we are positioned to be the independent source for data and information that is not tied to a product in the supply chain,” said Hoffman.

“Once the data is brought together in a common format, we can start to draw out insights. This allows for an in-depth analysis to help growers increase sustainability, efficiency and their bottom line, while reducing waste.”

The future of precision ag excites Hoffman, “as we move to the next ten years with 5G technologies and the IoT sensors, the data they create will increase at an exponential rate. Capturing this data and managing it will drive what we do and allow us to see trends that were, in the past, inconceivable,” explains Hoffman.

For more information on the 2019 Farms.com Precision Agriculture & Ag Tech Showcase, click here.

Video: Why Rob Saik is Trying to Build the World’s Most Connected Agriculture Network

In a recent interview at the SeedLink Conference in Brandon, Man., Rob Saik, author, speaker, and CEO of AGvisorPRO, took a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about the beginnings of his career and what the future holds.

Graduating from the University of Alberta in 1983, Saik embarked on a journey that started in Brandon, Man. “I got a job with Elanko, got a U-Haul truck, threw everything I had into it, drove to the Victoria Inn, and lived there for three months while they tried to find an apartment for me to move into. So I started my career in Brandon,” Saik shared.

Fast forward to the present, Saik has evolved into an accomplished author and speaker, traversing the globe to engage in high-level discussions about the future of agriculture and the critical role it plays in feeding the world. Yet, despite his global presence, he finds himself back in Brandon, addressing a group of seed growers. But why? Saik emphasizes the fundamental importance of seeds, stating, “It all begins with a seed, doesn’t it?”

Reflecting on his own experiences as a farmer, Saik expresses his excitement when a planted seed germinates and evolves into a thriving crop. He underscores the significance of technology and breeding in seed development, recognizing the crucial role they play in ensuring farmers can propagate seeds, grow profitable crops, and contribute to global food security.

Saik delves into the challenges faced by the agricultural community, particularly the rapid pace of technological advancements. He believes that the key lies in connecting farmers to experts swiftly, boosting farmers’ confidence in adopting new technologies, and ensuring the timely implementation of these advancements. According to Saik, this approach is crucial for steering agriculture towards sustainability and profitability.

As Saik works on his upcoming book, tentatively titled prAGmatic, he sheds light on its central theme. “The thesis would be that I want to write a book that takes what the consumer wants, challenges what the consumer believes, and positions that against what the farmers can actually do pragmatically,” he explains. The book aims to bridge the gap between consumer expectations and the realistic capabilities of farmers, promoting sustainable intensification as the necessary path to feed the planet.

Looking ahead to 2024, Saik emphasizes the need for enhanced connectivity within the seed industry. He discusses his platform, AgvisorPro, which is designed to facilitate connections between farmers, experts, and companies in a way that transcends conventional social media platforms. Saik envisions a credible, connected agricultural network that goes beyond the noise of platforms like LinkedIn or Twitter.

In a passionate vision for the future, Saik imagines a tool for teachers that allows them to pose questions from students, answered by verified farmers and ranchers. This, he believes, would provide an authentic and valuable educational resource, connecting classrooms with individuals who truly understand the intricacies of agriculture.