Digital Ag Tools Can Reduce Production Risk

Confused by "progress"? We pick the best articles to help modern producers keep it simple.

 

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Tools & Technologies

5 Food Production Risks Digital Ag Can Solve
​Technology and precision ag tools can help producers “grow more with less.” However, technology tools can truly prove their value in risk reduction across the food chain, helping producers, processors, retailers, and consumers identify and manage risk. Digital agriculture can help reduce risk in five main areas:

• Agronomic Risk - Data help detect the loss of yield from pests, diseases, and irrigation problems.
• Transaction Risk - Data tools help improve the predictability of a harvest, reducing transaction risk for both producers and processors.
• Reputation Risk - Farmers and ranchers can use data to effectively communicate the true value of the food they produce. Instead of one-sided headlines driving misconceptions about the ag industry, data shows the true inputs, costs, and hard work creating the food consumers eat.
• Basis Risk - Data helps lenders and insurers more accurately price the risk of different products. In turn, this helps producers obtain funding and insurance.
• Regulatory/Litigation Risk - Devices that collect data help producers automatically validate compliance with regulations, removing serious headaches and limiting the risk of costly litigation. Modern tools are particularly adept at validating compliance with water use regulations.

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News & Research

Stocking Rate Still Reigns Supreme
When it comes to planned grazing, there are a lot of opinions, debates, and opposing articles to decipher. Often, authors and speakers use “science” to justify their opinion, often deeply rooted in politics. Most of the time, the specific climate, soil, grass varieties, and other variables are absent from the argument. According to Rob Cook of Progressive Cattlemen, it is often best for grazing managers to choose the middle ground at first, and make small changes over time to optimize grass performance on their particular ranch. Cook explains that setting a proper stocking rate is the key decision producers must make before any other changes will be effective. Read full article

 

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Markets

Expert Analysis:  Still-strong calf prices receive seasonal squeeze
Calf prices are still strong, but narrow, uncertain cattle futures and the increasing number of calves going to market put downward pressure on calf prices this week. Fed cattle prices remain relatively steady, with negotiated prices hanging around $111 per cwt. Read full article

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