Putting precision farming data to work in the field

The technology offers a lot of promise, but every piece of equipment needs to speak the same language

Most Prairie grain farmers today are collecting data. Their combines, seeders and sprayers have the tools needed to measure, calculate, evaluate and report just about every activity in the field. But a recent survey indicates only about one-third of those collecting the data are putting it to work. What’s standing in the way?

“Taking the time to prioritize and properly document things such as application rates and field-scouting details, is one of the biggest challenges for growers, whether by entering it directly into the system or using a notepad,” says Scott Anderson, manager of agronomic services for Crop Production Services in northwest Saskatchewan. But he says recording it digitally is key, as it’s the only way advisers can access and use the information.

“A lot of the monitors in the machinery can log data which makes it easier. But now we need to work on pulling that data together and using it.”

Kris Klammer, who farms near Vegreville, Alberta agrees, and says it’s question of good data in, good data out.

Read the full article on Western Producer.