By Jenna Lee and John Fulton
What will sharing my farm data accomplish and what is the value?
Many farmers may find themselves thinking about this very question as they weigh the benefits and drawbacks of sharing their farm data. The potential to realize value from data can often stem from sharing it via digital technologies to service providers or other consultants. In many cases, it may be necessary for a grower to share farm data with multiple entities in order to obtain the largest return on investment possible. While many simple solutions have been presented to farmers that make it easier than ever to share data, the benefits and tangible value of doing so have not been clearly or accurately conveyed.
Sharing data for use in collaborative tools may result in benefits such as:
- Reducing the number of duplicate datasets generated or collected.
- Innovative digital tools allow for drawing of site-specific information and learnings.