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Third-generation farmer modernizes Saskatchewan operations
Jake Leguee, who runs a 17,000-acre farm in Saskatchewan inherited from his grandfather, has transformed traditional farming practices with cutting-edge technology. The shift aims to enhance competitiveness while reducing costs and environmental impact.
Precision tools replace manual labor
Leguee recalls his father and grandfather spending grueling hours on tractors to plant and spray crops. Today, he uses software and remote cameras on his John Deere tractor to target weeds with precision, operating at speeds of up to 15 miles per hour.
"The system detects weeds and activates individual nozzles, rather than blanket-spraying entire fields," he explains. This method cuts pesticide use significantly compared to older techniques.
North American farms adopt yield-boosting innovations
A 2024 McKinsey survey revealed that 57% of North American farmers plan to test new yield-enhancing technologies within two years. A separate 2022 U.S. Department of Agriculture report noted that while the number of farms is declining, remaining operations are becoming increasingly "tech-dense."
Vermont farmer Norah Lake, who grows vegetables and pastured meat at Sweetland Farms, transitioned from Excel spreadsheets to specialized software like Tend. The app helps her track harvest data, calculate seed requirements, and optimize crop management.
"We can determine how much seed to order based on the row feet we aim to harvest," Lake says.
AI and satellite data guide farming decisions
Swiss agri-tech firm Syngenta offers Cropwise, an AI-powered platform that analyzes satellite imagery and historical weather data to alert farmers to potential issues like pest outbreaks or frost risks.
"The system pinpoints problem areas in fields and recommends actions," says Feroz Sheikh, Syngenta Group's chief information officer. "With 20 years of weather patterns integrated into machine learning models, we can predict outcomes with high accuracy."
In Germany, NoMaze founder Jean-Pascal Lutze is rolling out software this year to simulate crop performance under varying climate conditions. Field tests have helped refine models that advise farmers on water usage and yield optimization.
Technology's ripple effects on food supply and prices
Heather Darby, an agronomist at the University of Vermont, suggests that increased efficiency could stabilize food supplies and lower consumer prices. "When farmers avoid crop failures, it creates a more reliable food system," she notes.
Darby observes a generational divide: younger farmers readily adopt new tools, while older generations may resist change. She emphasizes the need for openness, framing farms as multi-million-dollar businesses supporting families.
"If you treat farming as a business, it's a great way of life. But if you treat it as a way of life, it's a terrible business," Leguee reflects.
Low-cost solutions expand accessibility
Leguee highlights affordable options like record-keeping apps that deliver strong returns on investment. "Not every solution requires expensive equipment," he says. "Small tools can make a big difference."
