Measuring Crop Performance: Digital Farming Data For Yield Analysis
November 7, 2018
As I’ve logged countless miles across the Midwest, one insight I have gained is that every farm, and every farmer, is different. The farmers I work with have incredible work ethics and share the same goals of high yields and profitability, but they also have unique perspectives and ways of doing things. With so many variables to consider throughout the year – picking the right seed variety, seed placement, soil nutrients and inputs, and even the weather – they are constantly looking for confirmation that the choices they make throughout the year are paying off.
One common question I receive during harvest is, “What will I do with all of this data I am collecting?” If you have the same question, I will first tell you it is very important to make sure your harvest data and planting data are properly loaded into your FieldView™ account. Once this is accomplished, it opens the door to FieldView yield analysis tools that give you instant access to data you can use to make confident decisions.
FieldView Can Help You Make Data-Driven Decisions
You may have read, “Harvest Lessons: Listening to Learnings”, in which northeastern Illinois farmer Scott Friestad discusses how he uses FieldView (and more specifically, yield analysis) to measure how his inputs impacted yield. This video also tells more about Scott and how FieldView brings value to his operation.
Another compelling example of how a farmer analyzes yield is Brad Tolson of Tolson Grain & Livestock, Inc., a farmer I work with in Laredo, Mo. Brad runs many field trials and uses FieldView to easily implement and analyze them.
“A few of the things we are looking at this year are hybrid and variety comparisons, ILeVO®, and top dress nitrogen at different rates,” said Brad. “In previous years, we’ve looked at planting population, Nemastrike™, inoculants, and in-season applications of fungicides and insecticides. Using yield analysis to assess these and other best management practices in big areas of our fields versus small strips has really converted our whole farm into a testing ground and gives us confidence we are adopting the practices that will give us the most return on investment,” he said. “Collecting yield information with FieldView lets us dive into the data quickly and makes using yield analysis easy.”
Using yield analysis … has really converted our whole farm into a testing ground says MO farmer Brad Tolson. @FieldView
Using FieldView to Analyze Crop Performance
What will you do with that valuable harvest data you gather? With insightful yield analysis features, FieldView can help you answer critical questions such as:
How can I begin to utilize my harvest data?
- Get up-to-the-minute harvest data with a harvest summary report that displays the field average information for yield and moisture per hybrid. It also displays the average bushels, weight, and acres for the entire field.
Did my input decisions deliver value?
- See how your key inputs impacted yield by comparing critical data layers with side-by-side maps.
- Use yield analysis tools to identify what worked and what didn’t, so you can make the best decisions for next season.
How can I manage field variability?
- Create and save field zones to determine how different agronomic practices impact yield performance in every part of your field.
- Easily analyze seed performance against specific inputs in those zones by creating a field region report for any data layer, such as seeding population or applications such as nitrogen or fungicide.
Create a Field Region Report simply by drawing over the top of a field map image to select a specific region within your field to review your harvest performance data.
How can I make it easier to collaborate with farm partners and agronomy advisors?
- Send field files to another Climate FieldView user.
- Share field data directly from the Field screen in the Cab app.
The data you gather at harvest can play a key role in helping you make informed decisions both now and next year. I encourage you to explore the benefits of yield analysis - and best of luck in the fields! If you have any questions, contact your Climate dealer, the Climate Support Team at (888) 924-7475 or support@climate.com.
About The Author
Climate Business Manager Tom Verseman works closely with farmers and Climate FieldView dealers to help them maximize the value they receive from digital agriculture tools. He holds a Bachelor of Science in General Studies with an emphasis in Business, Communications and Sociology from the University of Missouri–Columbia.
