Canadian agriculture producers are becoming more comfortable with the adoption of digital data tools and farm management software.

In the RealAgristudies survey, 66 per cent of respondents said they feel the companies that handle their data are doing a good or excellent job. That’s a 31 per cent increase from the survey conducted by Farm Credit Canada’s AgExpert four years ago that asked the same question. 

“There was tremendous uptake by respondents to this survey which signals that digital farm management is top of mind for producers,” said Justin Funk, Agri Studies Inc. managing partner. “We learned that farmers are not just using data but are making it a priority to do more with it in the future as they make important farm management decisions.” 

More than 90 per cent of respondents said they use some form of data to manage production on the farm and 60 per cent say they are moderate or extensive users of farm data. Survey respondents cited the ability to make better decisions and to help manage costs as the top benefits of using digital data.

“Companies that ranked as the most trustworthy by customers are also certified as Ag Data Transparent,” explained Funk. “That is a group that subscribes to a set of core principles around the collection, use, storing and sharing of farm data. It speaks to the role the digital data industry has in earning the trust of farmers by being transparent and working with customers to help them understand how their information is used.”

The RealAgristudies survey suggests those who are the biggest users of farm digital data platforms and technology are also the most confident in its safety.

The benefits are well documented. When farmers see profitability by the acre, they can fully understand their cost of production, develop specialized seeding plans, and run scenarios to know how to make the most advantageous decisions. The shareability of records also means quicker, more precise communication with farm partners.

The survey was conducted in November 2022 using the RealAgristudies Insights Panel, along with AgExpert subscribers. The survey is accurate +/- four per cent with 95 per cent confidence. RealAgristudies is a partnership between the AgMedia company, RealAgriculture and Agri Studies.

Source:  Farm Credit Canada April 6, 2023 news release