Understanding the Value of Tech Investments: Trendy or Worth It?

If you’re like most farmers, you’re probably inundated with information about new technology promising to boost yield and efficiency. With so many products and claims out there, it can be challenging to separate fact from fiction. Before you invest in a new technology, it’s critical to understand its practical application in your operation. The truth is that not every flashy gadget or product will add value. Here is my take on four ag technologies gaining traction in the industry.  

Drone Usage Expands 

Drone technology in agriculture isn’t new, but its uses are evolving. Originally only offering growers a birds-eye way to assess fields using traditional cameras, the latest applications expand product utility into “precision scouting” and new, novel ways to apply crop protection products.      

Field Monitoring and Scouting 

Remote scouting through traditional drone imaging or satellite-acquired NDVI imaging is relatively affordable and can offer valuable insights about a crop’s overall health and development throughout the season—but it doesn’t always explain why something is happening. Artificial intelligence (AI) advancements in drone imaging are now enabling more precise identification of specific pests, weed escapes, nutritional stresses, stand count issues, and disease pressures. However, many farmers' key questions regarding drone scouting use remain: How actionable is this data? Can this information make them more profitable? While the information gained might be interesting, you’ll need to balance the cost of new technologies against the value of the insights they provide. 

Spray Applications 

Applying crop protection products with specialized spray drones may be an appealing idea to some operations. Spray drones promise to increase the accessibility of yield-enhancing applications to new acres without the need for the large, upfront costs of traditional sprayers. However, there are challenges to overcome for the successful adoption of spray drones. Growers should plan on studying and understanding regulations, optimizing operational logistics (battery, generator, trailer, and chemical handling needs), as well as creating labor plans to staff their spray drones to maximize their value. If you’re considering using drones for spray applications, weigh logistical challenges against the potential benefits before committing.  

In-Furrow Technology Delivers Season-long Benefits 

In-furrow applications are nothing new, but as growers learn new strategies that utilize this application system, its popularity is gaining interest. The main goal of any in-furrow technology is to give crops a strong start by mitigating early-season challenges. While traditionally used to apply starter fertilizers directly in the planting zone to improve seedling vigor and overall crop health, growers see additional benefits that can last throughout the season by adding PGRs, biostimulants, and biologics to the mix.  

For example, Ascend2® plant growth regulator (PGR) combines three plant hormones that promote vigorous emergence and root development in corn. When combined with a starter fertilizer like OptiStart®/Plus, Ascend2 PGR offers a simple, convenient way to enhance early-season crop growth and stress tolerance. Based on multiple years of Answer Plot® trials, corn that received Ascend2 PGR in-furrow along with starter fertilizer had a 3 bushel per acre yield advantage compared to crops that only received a starter fertilizer.1   

Some growers are hesitant to adopt in-furrow technologies due to concerns about planting efficiency, fearing in-furrow applications will slow down their planting pace. Recent equipment innovations, such as John Deere’s ExactShot™ system, address this issue by utilizing sensors and robotics to precisely place starter fertilizer only onto the seed, reducing the total amount of product applied and limiting downtime for extra tank fills. This allows you to cover more acres without compromising on application quality.  

New Seed Traits and Germplasm Add Management Flexibility 

Technology isn’t just about gadgets and equipment. Seed technology innovation continues to expand as companies evolve their product offerings based on changing production practices and environmental and market conditions. For example, some of the latest seed traits, including SmartStax® PRO and VT4Pro™, include RNAi technology as a new line of defense against underground pests like corn rootworm. If you’ve struggled with corn rootworm management, investing in these trait technologies can offer enhanced yield protection compared to older trait technologies.  

Advancements in traits and germplasm enable more flexibility to tailor choices based on particular field conditions and pest pressures. As crop management becomes increasingly complex with evolving pest threats and dynamic weather conditions, having options that allow for customized protection strategies can be a game-changer.  

The Next Frontier of Weed Management 

There’s been a lot of talk about precision weed management lately. This technology uses boom-mounted cameras and machine learning algorithms to identify weeds in real time, allowing for precision herbicide applications to just those weeds. Precision weed management offers more targeted herbicide applications and can open up new weed management strategies compared to the blanket applications of traditional sprayers. Some smart sprayers offer dual tanks to apply two independent tank mixes simultaneously, supporting herbicide resistance management and adding application efficiency. 

Any equipment purchase is a significant investment, so it’s worth talking with your equipment manufacturer to learn more about the benefits and limitations of this technology on your farm.      

Balancing Innovation and Practicality 

While the fear of missing out can be strong when it comes to new technologies, try to remain grounded in practicality as you evaluate them. As budgets fluctuate, you’ll want to focus on technology that can deliver real value right away. Here are a few questions to consider as you evaluate tech adoption.   

• What do I hope to accomplish with this technology? Define your goals, whether that’s improving yield, enhancing efficiency, or reducing costs.  

• What is this technology’s real-world performance record?  Look for technologies that have been proven effective in similar geographical areas or farming systems. 

• What is the expected ROI of this technology? Consider the initial costs in time and dollars and the potential long-term benefits. 

• Will this technology scale with my operation? Ensure that any new technology you invest in will fit your operation’s long-term needs and plan. 

• Do I have the knowledge and support to integrate this technology successfully? Factor in the learning curve associated with new technologies and your access to training and ongoing support.  

Navigating Technology Adoption Amid Budget Constraints 

If your budget tightens, you don’t necessarily have to put the brakes on adopting new technology. Instead, focus on identifying quick wins that offer cost-effective solutions. 

Start by evaluating your operation to pinpoint areas where new technologies could add the most significant economic returns, even with minimal investment. Taking small steps toward your goal may be better than doing nothing at all and can reduce some of the risks of new tech adoption. 

My best advice is to establish a straightforward decision-making process. Collaborate with trusted advisors or retailers to develop a structured approach for evaluating new technologies. This process will help you make informed choices and ensure you’re not just reacting to market pressures but strategically investing in the best solutions for your operation. 

Finally, as you implement changes, monitor their impact throughout the growing season. This will help you identify what works and where you might need to pivot. Progress usually takes time, so be patient and focus on continuous improvement. You’ll find it possible to navigate the current market landscape while still moving your operation forward with the latest technology.  

Turn to your WinField United retailer for support as you implement new practices and products on the farm.  

_{1 Compared to starter fertilizer alone. Based on over 60 trials across Answer Plot locations in 15 states from 2017 to 2021.}  

<sub>All photos are either the property of WinField United or used with permission.  

© 2024 WinField United. Important: Before use always read and follow label instructions. Crop performance is dependent on several factors many of which are beyond the control of WinField United, including without limitation, soil type, pest pressures, agronomic practices and weather conditions. Growers are encouraged to consider data from multiple locations, over multiple years and to be mindful of how such agronomic conditions could impact results. Answer Plot, Ascend2, OptiStart and WinField are trademarks of WinField United. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.</sub>