Proagrica: Rethinking Digital Solutions Can Reap Big Rewards in Agriculture

Most progressive farmers in developed countries use a farm management software solution to manage their farm enterprise, covering everything from field or stock planning, budgeting, production and analysis, and forms the cornerstone to drive the tactical and strategic direction of their businesses. As a consequence, their software contains a rich source of data, of which different elements can be utilised by the new, varied digital advice-based innovations in today's agri-marketplace.

"As innovations increase, data standards struggle to keep up," says Alistair Knott, Precision Development Director at Proagrica, worldwide provider of data connectivity solutions for the agriculture industry. "Farm management software are all different from one another, and very many didn't have data extraction and integration in mind when they were created. Expertise is needed to bring all of the data into a common, usable structure – without compromising the data's original source. This is particularly important as geospatial data becomes more the norm which, though incredibly valuable, requires exceptional processing capabilities and technological aptitude to utilise."

For farmers or advisors looking to use farm management software to drive productivity and profitability in their enterprise, there is a way to avoid this by choosing a system that can:

a)  Give complete control over permissions, deciding who exactly can use and see selected inputted data

b)  Seamlessly share permitted data with innovative software that can support the farmer's business strategy

Essentially, digital farm management should make farming more productive, but not more onerous. By adopting a digital solution that meets the above criteria, farmers and advisors can focus on growing their business, comfortable that they are in complete control of their data, without requiring multiple entry of the same data sets. 

For developers of new innovative tools for precision ag, it's essential that the design architecture is easily accessible and mergeable into single data warehouse. Data entry must be controlled, avoiding free text where possible. Trust is sacred in farming; the permissioning process must be at the heart of any solution, and not an afterthought. Where possible, ensure synchronicity with a central data exchange and/or the growers' farm system as the source of truth on the farm.

The implications of managing large, complex geo-spatial data sets are daunting, but rewarding. For innovative tech businesses, consider working with experts in the agricultural field, who know the sector, know the technical challenges and understand the opportunities. For farmers, seek out a digital solution that works seamlessly with your farm practice, supporting your business as needed while avoiding unnecessary stress. 

About Proagrica

Proagrica, part of RELX Group, is a global provider of independent connectivity and data-led insight across the agriculture and animal health markets. We deliver actionable intelligence to drive business growth across the value chain. Our superior products and services connect and empower industry participants to address their key needs around trading, productivity and compliance.

Our solutions are built around the key competences of data connectivity and data analytics delivering seamless supply chain management, supply chain standards compliance, and customer insight and engagement, essential for businesses looking to improve their value offering and expand in the modern marketplace.

Proagrica also encompasses performance-boosting farm management software brand Farmplan, and industry-leading media platforms, including Farmers Weekly.

Proagrica.com

About RELX

RELX is a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. The Group serves customers in more than 180 countries and has offices in about 40 countries. It employs over 30,000 people, of whom almost half are in North America. The shares of RELX PLC, the parent company, are traded on the London, Amsterdam and New York Stock Exchanges using the following ticker symbols: London: REL; Amsterdam: REN; New York: RELX. The market capitalization is approximately £36.02B, €45.24B, $46.44B.

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