MABA Update Press Release

Posted: Jan 12, 2012

PRESS RELEASE
Monday, January 9, 2012

For Immediate Release
Contact: James Byrum
Michigan Agri-Business Association
(517) 336-0223

Global Agricultural Leader: Deploying Tech Solutions to Manage Data is Key to Future Success

EAST LANSING - The increasing demand for food in a more crowded world, coupled with the rapid acceleration of data and technology mean agriculture must work even harder to deploy solutions that harmonize all aspects of production agriculture, a global agricultural leader said today.

"Farming complexity is increasing and technology is enabling new solutions," said David Smith, global director of John Deere's nutrient application product line. "Moving the data around is key. Our hope is that we gain alignment with all our industry partners."

Smith spoke to more than 700 people at a luncheon address of the Michigan Agri-Business Association's 79th annual Winter Conference in Lansing. His topic, "Technology and the changing space in application and maximizing yield," highlighted the challenges modern agriculture currently faces amid growing demand for affordable, nutritious food and what he called the "fastest rate of growth for application" he has seen in more than two decades in the agriculture manufacturing business. Smith told his audience that agriculture must prepare to feed a global population that is expected to reach of 9 billion by 2050.

"Globally, the food diet is going to change, with no additional arable acreage, no additional water resources," Smith said. "The question is how to use new technology and deploy it to get better results."

Smith said his company uses a 3-prong approach to manage data and technology in the effort to help farmers and agri-businesses make better decisions:

• Machine optimization, including monitoring operations, increase machine uptime and boost machine productivity;
• Logistics optimization, including spraying more and idling less, and adjusting application rates;
• Agricultural decision support, including providing the best data, helping agricultural advisers make the right decisions and assisting customers so they deploy the recommended insights in the field.
"Technology of the kind that Dave and others in his field bring to agriculture is essential because they create real value for farmers and agri-businesses," MABA President Jim Byrum said. "We need to constantly manage data effectively, develop solutions and build critical infrastructure that will help us implement solutions. These are top priorities for Michigan agriculture, and we're excited to see how we can continue the growth that is creating new business opportunities and creating local jobs."

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