Ag Leader Technology » Value of Data

Data from precision ag has immense value for making management decisions. These management decisions must be based on “real-life” questions you have about improving your operation, driven by your collected data. The data you collect has tremendous value beyond the benefits you see in the cab. So how do you begin the process of getting more answers from your precision ag data?

Grower Knowledge 50%
You are the expert when it comes to management practices, field history, yield goals, profit goals and best crop options. However you try to get more value from your precision ag data, make sure your knowledge is a key part of the process.

Trusted Advisors 25%
Resources like consultants, precision ag specialists, bankers, market advisors and CPAs can add an important layer of information to help your operation see management improvements.

Field Level Data 15%
This portion is often overlooked and decisions are made on assumptions. Data from your precision farming tools can provide you with a “report card” on your operation and make it easier to separate facts from assumptions.

Supporting Resources 10%
Magazines, university studies, even talking with your neighbors can provide you
with information to make changes to your operation you may not have considered.

A Road Map for Creating Value from Your Data

Explore

Collect and process quality data with SMS Software.
Investigate after the planting and harvest seasons, taking time to look at the information with other trusted advisors that are part of the operation. Explore the data letting “real-life” questions drive the maps you review.
Review hybrid performance with seed dealers, explore field performance reports with landlords and review fertility with agronomists.
List your questions that are generated from conversations with your trusted advisors while exploring the data.

Act

Organize questions into controllable (management) or non-controllable (weather).
Divide questions based on equipment, fertility, hybrid, population, rotations, tillage or disease control.
Prioritize which can be tested, tracked and solved. What additional information is needed and how can you get it?
Execute management changes on your operation that have been based on your data and conversations with trusted advisors, to begin to see improvements on your operation.