How to evaluate the endless number of tools you can choose
As farmers, if we don’t adapt to new technology, our operations will stagnate. There just isn’t a way to stay profitable in farming today without the help of the many technological advancements.
It’s easy to get wrapped up in the excitement around ag tech. But, as we all know, not every idea is a good idea. Similarly, not every idea is financially feasible or practical.
When I evaluate new products and services for my farm, here are some of the features I prioritize (or suggest to those in the ag-tech space):
OPEN API SYSTEM
We are busy, and the task of entering the same data into four or five different systems is time-consuming and redundant. I’d like to see more tech companies move to an open API system where the information can be shared between apps. Having the information flow freely between the systems would better equip us to make informed decisions. The argument, of course, is each company’s software is proprietary. But an increase in collaboration and knowledge-sharing makes it easier for the end-user, who is ultimately footing the bill.
A FLAT-FEE PAYMENT FOR LARGE FARMS
The majority of ag-tech companies, whether it be software or fertilizer, operate on an acre-based pay system. It might sound fair (the bigger you are, the more money you pay) but it actually penalizes larger, well-run farms that require less intervention and hand-holding. In essence, larger farms can be less work for these companies. In my opinion, acre-based payments can work up to a limit, 1,000 acres for example, but after that it should be converted to a flat fee.
CREATIVE PAYMENTS FOR FIRST ADOPTERS
Many tech companies don’t have anyone on staff who has lived or worked on a farm. That’s OK. As a result, the first farmers who sign up with new tech companies are vital to its success — they will provide valuable feedback and insight. For those farmers, an alternate system of payment should be considered, whether it be reduced payments, stock options, etc.
4-Screen Dashboard
Our long-term plan is to have a four-screen management system dashboard to optimize our operation. Here are some of the technologies helping us get there:
Crop Intelligence: App that collects and interprets soil moisture.
Granular: Farm management software that provides real-time information on costs and revenue.
Crystal Green: Product that offers a continuous release of root-activated phosphorus fertilizer. It increases efficiency and minimizes nutrient loss.
Bin-Sense: Mobile app to remotely monitor grain bin conditions to preserve grain quality.
Libra Cart: Data management system that automatically records the date, time, weight and GPS location of each grain cart unload, providing tracking info.
Kristjan Hebert is the managing partner of Hebert Grain Ventures, a 30,000-acre grain and oilseed operation in southeast Saskatchewan. He was the 2020 Top Producer of the Year.
Connect with him at: KristjanHebert.com or @KristjanHebert
