Most farmers recognize the need for new farm technology, but understanding how to monetize it is another story.
The smart farming era is changing the industry via the use of digitally gathered data, robots, sensors, software and most importantly, network connectivity.
Yet on a wider perspective, smart farming still has a long way to go as it is currently rated 10th on the 10 most popular Internet of Things applications.
That places it well behind first-place smart-home systems, smart-grid systems in fourth place and connected-car systems in sixth.
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Still, Robert Walker, chief executive officer of feed technology company Keenan, is positive smart technology will become vital in future farming.
Keenan is introducing technology to optimize its InTouch feeding system, something the company hopes will revolutionize feeding efficiencies.
“Farmers are not scared of technology,” said Walker, “but they need to know which ones work and are worth investing in.”
He said farmers use the latest technology in their civilian lives so why wouldn’t they use it in business?
“Smart technology is all about data capture and how that data can help drive efficiency on a farm or any business.
“The farmer owns that data and it is specific to his business. In terms of the monetary value of that data, the farmer needs to know how it can save him or her money.
“Also though, they need to know what exactly they are paying for in terms of new technology,” said Walker.
Many new agricultural software applications are being introduced and many ask farmers to sign contracts with monthly payments to access the technology. It can be a confusing world with lots of marketing hype.
Walker expressed concerns that agriculture is not investing in itself when it comes to the smart farming sector.
“Those companies that are investing in agricultural technology are external to the industry. They obviously see the potential smart farming has but the agricultural industry here is not investing in itself.”
