My Top 10 Precision Ag Wish List for 2020
Well, it’s that time of year where we all think about what our goals, needs, and wants will be for next year. Of course, with that comes all the other lovely holiday glory, or gore, depending on how you feel. With this said, I decided to write an article with a little festive charm. Here’s my wish list of things I’d like to see for the precision agriculture / ag-tech industries for 2020 and beyond.
1. Less hype and more reality. This one is pretty straight forward. I think the hype surrounding ag tech is getting better compared to recent years, but there is still plenty in the market. The thing is, if you don’t bring reality these days you are kind of screwed due to our current ag economy. It’s really not that hard, guys. Just tell me the truth, that’s all I’m asking for.
2. Explain artificial intelligence (AI)/machine learning (ML) in agriculture to me like I’m 5 years old. There are a few people who I’ve talked to that do a better job of this than others, but many just add AI/ML into their solutions explanation without any substance. Worse yet, these terms have just become buzzwords to grab attention. If AI/ML was explained better, I likely would look past the “word” and at the reality. Number 1 on this list comes to mind. Stop exaggerating is my wish.
3. Less of the same Farm Management Information Systems (FMIS) over and over. It seems there is another FMIS copycat out there every other week. I can’t blame some for wanting to try to build something, but the market is getting crowded and actually may make things worse for growers. Now, unique and different systems are better but we need less of the exact same thing. Also, there isn’t much left of the pie regarding larger farms that everyone goes after. Be different for 2020.
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4. I want to see some real numbers on the use of precision ag services and where it’s going. You’ve heard of these numbers before: “The precision ag industry is expected to be a $10 billion industry by XYZ year.” I’m getting fairly tired of these reports. It’s like the whole 2050 feed-the-world crap, or like a few years ago when drones were supposed to be a $10 billion market in ag alone by 2020. Let’s stop being that optimistic because it just crowds out reality and grows hype. These numbers only exist to massage egos anyway, for the most part. I’d like to see some real numbers for next year.
5. Less talk of the same promises (e.g., save water, seed, fertilizer). We should be past the whole selling tactic by now that says “buy my solution or my map and you’ll save 20%-40% in costs!” Really? Do you think people really bite into this BS still? Well, yes they do, but it’s tiring. Sure, many solutions can save something, but these claims can go south quite quickly if you’re not careful or experienced. Trust a good agronomist and you’ll be better off, or just don’t take these numbers to exact heart. Be more careful and mindful.
6. Better on-the-go sensors. Because this item is kind of broad, I’d specifically put on-the-go nitrogen sensors at the top of the wish list, followed by other solutions with similar technology. Beyond this would be sensors that help the whole robotics process and other automated tasks. I’m still fairly pessimistic about robotics, but I don’t see them going away anytime soon. There is more IoT coming down the pipe and better sensors are needed constantly. In saying this, I want more sensors, and let’s keep them inexpensive, if possible.
7. Cheaper monitors and related equipment. You’d think just like flat screen TVs and smartphones, all precision ag tech would be a lot cheaper these days, but it doesn’t seem to be the case. Maybe it’s due to the amount being manufactured or some other reason. I do know of some companies and DIYers working on some really cheap solutions, but pricing needs to get better, and in reality should already be better by now. I want some cost cutting.
8. No more press releases about signing on “one” new client to appease your investors, shareholders, or upper management. Once again, this isn’t as bad as it used to be but is still really annoying. I get that new ag-tech companies just want to promote that they’re doing something successful. The thing is, I don’t need to hear about every single new client they sign up. Bragging is fine for some organizations that make the really big deals, but these smaller deals can just be kept to themselves. Less ego trips, please.
9. A system that actually gives the power for a grower to own their data and scrub it from any system. Well, this may be possible with some systems, at least for the grower to scrub their data, but what I don’t see are systems that allow the grower to store their data on their own server or storage system that is controlled by them. Beyond older desktop systems, the web-based ones don’t really have this option. I think many would like it and would help greatly with usability. Of course, if you don’t want to and are not open with what you may be doing with the grower’s data, your days might just be numbered. But then again, maybe not. Bottom line, let’s be more transparent with data systems.
10. I want the USDA to incentivize growers to use precision ag technology through crop insurance or some other method. So I know I’ve talked about this before, but I will again. Now, the Conservation Stewardship Program does have some pieces to this, but if you really look at it logically, USDA should want everyone to use the best technology for farmers to help. Especially in the current economy and marketplace, this makes sense. Some may get scared of, say, the government having more of your data, but I’m pretty sure they are well aware of most items anyway. I guess the other argument would be socialism and let capitalism work. Sure, but Uncle Sam has been bailing out agriculture in many ways for decades. This one seems more complementary to everyone, considering the benefits. Anyway, I think we are due for this to happen, although I think 2020 might be a stretch. The talk needs to happen now though so this is what I can wish for this time next year.
I know some of these items on the list are just the same old complaints I’ve said before, but I can still wish for them. At least this time I am trying to be a little more sympathetic of the challenges that go along with them. Like I noted, some of these things are getting better so that is a good sign. Other items we are getting close to, so let’s see how this next year pans out. In the end it’s just another one of my stupid lists, so time will tell. Anyway, here is hoping for further progress with precision ag in 2020 and Happy Holidays to everyone.
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