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The transformation of big tech in ag

By 3 min read

January 29, 2021  | 

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The transformation of big tech in ag

2024-06-04T15:48:13-05:00By |Categories: Business|Tags: |

I have been amazed by the technology that so many farms are implementing today, which is particularly impressive considering that many of the farmers who are using advanced tech on the farm did not grow up with a tablet or smartphone in their hand. The adaptability and progressiveness of those in production agriculture is astounding.

Things like seed and chemical advancements, GPS and autosteer, and variable rate technologies have been revolutionary over the past few decades. These types of technologies have fueled tremendous gains in the productive capacity of American agriculture. But what types of technology will move us forward in the coming years? Let’s discuss a few.

Internet of Things (IoT)

IoT are tiny sensors that may have a big impact on farming. These sensors can be used to gather data on crops, livestock and equipment. Advances in data storage and wireless monitoring will push forward our ability to constantly monitor crops, livestock and equipment (in real time) and proactively address problems before it’s too late. IoT sensors on equipment will likely help farmers run a more efficient and better maintained fleet. It is likely that these tiny sensors will likely become cheaper and more ubiquitous over time and could become critical in achieving improved farm profitability.

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification)

RFID sensors provide supply chain tracking and are useful in following crops or livestock through the entire system to ensure quality and safety. American farmers and ranchers typically produce excellent food, but RFID gives farmers the deserved credit for doing so. Consumers continue to push for transparency as to where and how their food is produced, and RFID helps farmers provide this transparency.

AI (Artificial Intelligence)

Farmers literally make hundreds of crucial decisions every year. Improving your “success rate” on these decisions will enhance your farm’s profitability and likely your happiness, as well. What to plant, when to plant, what to spray, when to spray….the list goes on and on. AI seeks to analyze big data sets to help users take these large amounts of observed data and make informed decisions on what is likely the best path forward. AI likely has big applications in improving weather analytics as well, which could prove extremely useful in agriculture. Stay tuned as AI moves forward in the ag industry as it is likely the next big trend.

There is no doubt that big changes in ag technology are coming in the years and decades ahead. These are exciting advancements that will continue to move our industry forward as we meet the growing task of feeding the world. I encourage farmers and ranchers to embrace these opportunities as I believe leveraging them will improve your farm profitability over time.

Read more about the impacts of big tech in agribusiness in these feature articles: Missouri Farmer Today‡, Ozarks Farm & Neighbor‡ and The Fence Post‡.

Our Agribusiness Division serves all areas of agriculture, including producersprocessors, suppliers and manufacturers of equipment and goods, throughout a 12-state area. Learn more about what ag means to UMB and see some of our clients in action.


When you click links marked with the “‡” symbol, you will leave UMB’s website and go to websites that are not controlled by or affiliated with UMB. We have provided these links for your convenience. However, we do not endorse or guarantee any products or services you may view on other sites. Other websites may not follow the same privacy policies and security procedures that UMB does, so please review their policies and procedures carefully.

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About the Author:

Lance Albin is president of agribusiness at UMB Bank and has more than nine years of experience in agriculture financing. He has a master’s degree in business administration from Fort Hays State University. UMB Bank is one of the Top 25 Farm Lenders in the United States serving farmers/ranchers, producers, processors, manufacturers and dealers throughout the Midwest and Mississippi Delta regions.
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