The previous generation of farmers didn’t have access to all the technology we’re using today. Now, you’re diligently collecting information about your soil, crops, applications, weather…the list goes on and on. But what can you actually do with all this data, and how can it translate into benefits for your farm?
Precision farming
Even in the last 15 years, precision farming has made major advances.
First, there’s variable rate application, where your data helps you make the best fertilizer and crop protection decisions. By analyzing soil maps, yield histories, and crop health imagery, you can create detailed application plans that take your specific soil and fields into consideration.
Also, data-driven planting density adjustments help make sure that each seed has enough space to grow to its potential, which can help increase your yield.
There have been great strides in irrigation management such as sensors, weather data, and soil moisture monitoring can help farmers grow the best crops possible.
By getting and using the best data available, you can turn info into profit.
Health monitoring
Farmers obviously drive by their fields – and other farmers’ fields – to evaluate what’s happening. In addition, the nitty gritty details from satellite images, testing, and drone imagery can assist in finding issues early. This way, the data can be used to take action against pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies.
Plus, you can analyze your historical data alongside your current data to help identify problems and possibly use preventive measures.
Decisions
When you’re checking your data, assess performance data for different hybrids and varieties across your fields to identify the top performers for your specific acres. This way, you can also track input costs against yield and quality data to evaluate different practices – and make informed decisions about future investments.
With benchmarking, you can compare your data against regional averages or industry benchmarks to identify areas for improvement. (There are many advisors who can help you with this type of information.)
To use your data to develop customized crop management plans, you can always turn to the agronomists at AgroLiquid. We’re here to help you gain insights from your info and increase your success.
You did the work to get the data – and it’s valuable information. So don’t let your data just sit there – put it to work!
Time
Time is always a factor when running a farm. One way to help with data is to turn it over to a company to handle the data management so farmers can focus on farming. Yield data is a great place to start, as you can work with a service provider to handle the collection, organization, and analysis of your data.
Let’s look at a short list of the most valuable ways information can work for you:
- Variability in your fields: Data can help you spot differences in soil fertility, weather impacts, hybrid performance, and crop protection effectiveness across your land. Tools and expertise can help you tailor your farming practices to address the needs of each part of your land. Use data to guide your choices about fertilizer application, seed selection, and other inputs.
- Track and understand costs: Analyze your data to understand your break-even cost and identify areas for improvement.
- Improve nutrient applications: Use yield maps and crop data to apply fertilizers even more precisely.
- Improve yield efficiency: Focus on increasing yields while lowering your break-even cost per bushel to boost profitability.
- Gain more understanding about your operation: Use data to understand your farm’s strengths and weaknesses, and make informed decisions about future investments.
Whether you’re new to farming or you’ve been farming for generations, data always has an important role. Here at AgroLiquid, we are really into the data behind our products and research. See what we’re doing with ours! Check out our research page.
