Big Data Helps Farmers

Big Data is not a new concept to farming, even if the word can cause some intimidation, but advances in how data is getting to the grower can help producers be smarter and more efficient.

Arkansas grower Derek Haigwood said the speed at which he can access info can be critical.

“I still do pen and pad but if I need to know at six o’clock in the morning when the ag pilot calls me, I can access that information from my iPad without going out and getting in the tractor and getting the planter books off.”

The information also helps drive the future of Haigwood’s farm in terms of what varieties to plant.

“If I plant variety A, B, and C, when I go into harvest it, it’s on my combine screen and it overlays the yield right on top of it. I can get information from the university, or the seed company or this and that, but when I get done I just look at the screen and I say ok, Product B did better.”

Haigwood said it’s important to understand the different data options and pick one that you trust to protect your information, but also don’t be afraid to change as needed.