Top 8 Benefits of Digital Farming

In this digital age, it is of no surprise that technology is breaking its way into the ag industry. Now farmers can use digital farming to form insight and make decisions that will yield success. The adoption of digital agriculture has provided a way to make farms sustainable, productive, and profitable. 

Through technology, like the DTN ClearAg solution, you can make better decisions to put you in the lead as a market competitor. By understanding digital technology, you can begin to see how the adoption of digital farming may set you apart from others in the agricultural industry. 

We will look at digital farming 101 and advance into the possibilities it may bring into the agricultural industry’s future. 

 

What Exactly Is Digital Farming?

The best definition of digital farming is technology such as data science, digital communication channels, and automation and sensors to improve agricultural outcomes. 

Popular reasons for the adoption of digital farming include crop and livestock management, pest control, and communication ease in the industry.

Digital farming gives the farmers insight so they can make decisions that will improve productivity. The farmer receives data, but ultimately, it is still up to them how it is utilized to fit best for their farm. 

A substantial benefit is the data can be shared with other experts in the agricultural industry, including agronomists, veterinarians, and other farmworkers, forming a cohesive and robust collaboration. 

Why is this so important for agricultural teams? Well… the collection and sharing of data can help all be more accurate, effective, and better manage risks. As you can imagine, the results are only positive for every contributing member of the team involved in data collaboration. 

The concepts lead us to what digital farming is not. Digital agriculture is not sharing data days, weeks, or months later when it is no longer relevant. It is also not a tool that should be withheld from any in the agricultural industry as the collective goal is to better the industry and planet as a whole. 

 

Where Is The Adoption Of Digital Farming Growing?

Digital farming is widespread in the United States and most countries worldwide, where technology is prevalent. The same technologies are used globally, including sensors, communication networks, aerial vehicles, robotic machinery, and other AI technology.

The wonderful thing about digital farming is it is useful regardless of farm size.

Benefits are seen both at the small farm level up through large-scale agricultural leaders. It is not used just on the farm but is also popular in agricultural research labs and universities with an agricultural emphasis. 

Small-scale farmers love digital farming to help them decide how to increase cow milk production best, produce healthy calves, or improve crop production. The reasons more farmers turn to the adoption of digital farming can go on and on. 

 

Why Is The Adoption Of Digital Farming Gaining Popularity?

Digital farming is gaining popularity in the industry because it is helpful! 

Popular programs include:

• Feed management software
• Dairy records software
• Milk meters
• Pedometers for animals
• Rumination collars for cud-chewing 

The programs come together to give the farmers insight never before possible. 

The result is improved outcomes for the animals and the farm. The technology will only continue to evolve and grow as more data is interpreted and reapplied into digital farming. 

 

What Are The Top Benefits Of Digital Farming

You can note benefits for digital farming both on the farm and at the industry level. The impact is indicated at the micro-level, starting with the individual farm, and grows to the macro level, influencing international policies. 

The top benefits for farmers include:

1. Improved management and decision-making processes
2. Improved efficiency through more target applications
3. An increase in productivity and profit
4. Improved marketing
5. Real-time information
6. Advancements in record keeping
7. Management of risks and uncertainties
8. A reduction in regulatory burden

For example, digital farming improves productivity and information by eliminating paper forms and paper data collection. It is replaced with mobile forms and a database that stores the farm information. Data collected in the field can instantly be sent to a central office or customers, improving communication accuracy. 

The adoption of digital farming eliminates risks and uncertainties by giving farmers access to big data and algorithms to manage their crops. The farmer may also have access to advanced methods to troubleshoot crop and livestock management up to date, so they are not alone in making decisions. 

There is an improvement in the flow of processes at the industry level due to better efficiency, optimization of the supply chain, and better industry decision-making. Digital farming offers a way also to improve quality control and assurance, and it flows into the entire rural community. 

The effects only grow from there as farmers achieve improved environmental outcomes. There is an impact at the international level with enhanced collaboration and learning. Stakeholders note the impact on agriculture worldwide. 

 

Partner With The Right Technology Provider 

You have choices if you are taking on the adoption of digital farming. To ensure you receive the best results from your investment, choose a tool from a trusted provider who cares about your agricultural goals. 

DTN is here to empower you to make the best decisions, yield the best product, grow revenue, and manage risk, 

Our digital farming technology has benefits including: 

• Weather forecasting
• Field and crop management to aid in decisions and risks
• Minimizing over-spraying and drifts
• Irrigation analytics
• Data and modeling to improve harvest activity

Remember, you don’t have to be a technology expert to have success in digital farming. It is our job to help you with data science. We partner with you to make it a successful adventure, not a stressful one. 

Ready to be part of the new digital agricultural world? Consider the adoption of the correct digital farming application and be on your way to agricultural success!