5 things consider before diving into the world of big data
The initial setup of precision agriculture systems, software and sensors is a critical step for farmers who are interested in using big data in their operations, according to Scott Shearer, Ph.D., a professor and chair of the Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering at Ohio State University. Collecting accurate yield data is especially important.
Shearer advises working with technical experts who are knowledgeable about the specific farm machinery and technology a farmer intends to use.
“Yield data is a fundamental piece when analyzing farm data,” Shearer says. “Just as it’s hard to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour if you don’t have a vehicle, it’s impossible to do big data analysis on a farm without a trustworthy yield map.”
Shearer recommends farmers think through these five considerations before diving into the world of big data
1. Yield monitors are must-have tools that are essential for collecting and archiving production data.
2. Auto-steer, planter row-shutoff and auto-boom section control in sprayers are technologies farmers should strongly consider, if they’re not already in use.
3. There is great potential to influence yield with precision planters that can control seed placement depth.
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