Data on the farm: Glue or gold?

Software will dominate in tomorrow’s agriculture as producers and consumers rely heavily on technology to make decisions. “We just have to get comfortable being uncomfortable … and just embrace the change,” said Teddy Bekele, chief technology officer of Land O’Lakes Inc.

Bekele spoke at OATSCON21, a virtual conference hosted by Purdue University’s Open Ag Technology and Systems Center to discuss the importance of open-source data — shared data that allows for collaboration and innovation — and its impact on farmers.

New technologies are coming, and the agriculture industry must be ready to accept change, according to Bekele. Some new technologies are here: sensors that constantly collect data, artificial intelligence to relay fertilizer and pesticide application calculations, and apps that help farmers with management decisions. These technologies allow farmers to make better decisions without physically being in the field.

Read more