3 Simple Steps to Introduce Ag Tech to Your Operation

At this point in the year, you’re probably focused on creating your strategies for spring planting and in-season crop management. If you haven’t been using ag technology tools on your operation, this may be a good time to work with your local advisor to see how they could benefit your bottom line. Here are three steps to help you get started.

1. Digitize what’s in your head.

You probably know your farm and your individual fields like the back of your hand. You’ve likely identified your high-management zones and low-productivity areas based on their historical performance, even if you aren’t using the latest tech tools. Work with your advisor to translate the information that’s in your head into an ag tech tool. This not only helps you keep more manageable, traceable records; it also makes it easier for your advisor to fine-tune your crop management plan and find opportunities to increase profitability. 

2. Find the right tools.

There are a lot of ag technology tools on the market, and many of them offer similar functionality. If you’re new to some of these tools, I recommend focusing on one or two that offer basic features to help with decision-making.

For example, the Climate Corporation offers FieldView^™ Drive, a data collection and storage tool that pulls information from your equipment directly to a Climate FieldView account. Bluetooth® technology wirelessly transfers key planting and harvest data, including seed variety planted, planting population and yield. Collected information is updated in the FieldView account in real time, so you can stay informed even when you’re not in the field.

Once you’ve electronically captured your field data, you can take things a step further with the WinField United R7^® Tool. It’s a great foundational tool if you’re just beginning with ag technology because it gives you access to WinField United data and allows you to start thoughtful conversations with your retail partner. The R7 Field Monitoring Tool feature provides real-time snapshots of a field’s health and can alert you when in-season action is needed. One especially valuable and unique capability of the R7 Tool is the R7 Field Forecasting Tool, a crop modeling capability that predicts yield potential based on current environmental conditions and management practices.  

3. Choose the right partner.

Even more important than finding the right tools is choosing the right partner to do business with. A trusted advisor can help guide you through adopting these tools and identifying which ones will provide you with the most value.

As you plan for the next season, consider adding ag technology to your operation. Contact your local WinField United retailer to help you develop a strategy that will increase your profitability potential in the season ahead.