Understanding the farm data lifecycle: collection, use, and impact of farm data on U.S. commercial corn and soybean farms

Abstract

Enthusiasm regarding the “digital agriculture” revolution is widespread, yet objective research on how commercial farms actually use data and data services remains limited. The purpose of this research is to better understand the current positioning of U.S. commercial corn and soybean farms within the farm data lifecycle, including the collection, use, and impact of farm data. Using survey data from a sample of 800 commercial-scale U.S. corn and soybean farms, the factors associated with progression within the farm data lifecycle are examined. Results indicate that the majority of commercial U.S. corn and soybean farms collect data, indicate that the data they collect influences their decisions, and perceive positive yield benefits as a result of their data-informed decisions. However, farms vary in intensity of their data usage. Investments in data management and analysis resources are associated with progression within the farm data lifecycle. These investments comprise software products that manage and analyze data, including creating GPS maps, layering different data sources, and generating recommendations. Investments in human capital, either in on-farm employees with designated data responsibilities or in trusted off-farm service providers, are also associated with progression within the farm data lifecycle. Farms that have not yet invested in these types of data management and data analysis resources may be forfeiting the potential benefits associated with using their farm’s data to improve on-farm decision making.