View from the Cab: An end user focus
There seems to be a renewed focus on the end user in agriculture and that has some major companies excited.
A presentation on the global supply chain was given during last week’s Farm Assets Conference in Normal. Angie Slaughter with Anheuser-Busch InBev said her company’s vision is to grow the industry with a secure supply chain. The company launched a Smart Barley platform this year which is geared toward agronomists supporting barley farmers.
Ken Dallmier, president and COO of Clarkson Grain Company, spoke about ways to increase demand. He noted that diversity allows pivot – referring to organic and non-GMO farming. He recommends possibly dedicating some acreage to organic farming as a way to experiment.
“Diversify and think about what you are doing,” Dallmier said.
Brad Allen with Syngenta discussed a new data program which can capture all types of information to be transferred to the end user. The whole farm solution program includes everything from crop protection products used to yields. It is a program built by farmers for farmers.
“We want you to know your numbers on what you are doing on the farm,” Allen explained. “We are showing how we are being sustainable.”
The instantaneous cloud-based system is all about a return on investment and field profitability, according to Allen. This is a way for growers to track stewardship on their farms since end users want to know what has been put on fields.
Last week’s daylong conference at the Marriott Hotel and Conference Center also included discussion on the University of Illinois Research Park, the agricultural economy and commodity markets. The Illinois Corn Growers Association also held its annual meeting that day.
I certainly hope you all had a great Thanksgiving. As always, we stuffed ourselves with too much turkey and pie – but it’s always so good! We are usually lucky enough to have plenty of leftovers to enjoy the following weekend.
(The View from the Cab blog is powered each week by Petersen Motors in Fairbury)
