Farmers Say Data is Gateway to Profit

Farmer panelists on stage at Commodity Classic told the audience that precision farming strengthens their bottom line.

“Every dollar in savings is impacting our profits,” said Dave Nelson, a corn and soybean farmer from Iowa. “It helps to focus on data collected from many different areas of production such as conservation, agronomy, and sustainable precision tools.”

Panelist Jeff Brown, an Illinois farmer, agreed that compiling the data that is collected on precision farming practices helps the pocketbook.

“By using precision planting equipment, even with a rainbow operation (different colored equipment), I’m blending data, getting layers of data to help me increase yields,” he said. “The number one way to cut costs is to increase yields.”

Agribusiness leaders who spoke at the show reassured farmers that their companies will be investing in innovation despite a tough farm economy.

Scott Kay, Vice President of U.S. Crop Protection BASF, said the chemical company will bring 50 new products to market this year.

“Mother Nature isn’t waiting for the next stock market report or farm market report,” he said. “We have to continue to invest in agriculture.”

Source: agriculture.com S