Boost productivity with remote sensing technologies

Canadian farmers are increasingly turning to innovative, cost-effective remote sensing technologies to enhance productivity, efficiency and sustainability. Satellite imaging, soil moisture sensors, weather stations, smart irrigation systems and mobile apps are more accessible than ever, offering practical solutions for farms of all sizes.

Make data meaningful

Mohamad Yaghi, vice-president of AgExpert and the Innovation Hub at FCC, says the goal of remote sensing technology should be to add value to producers’ operations. “It’s not about creating the newest sensors to collect terabytes of data,” Yaghi says. “It’s about what that sensor is doing.”

Remote sensing collects critical data to help farmers make informed, real-time decisions.

Remote sensing collects critical data to help farmers make informed, real-time decisions. “It’s the opportunity to be the instant heartbeat of a farm,” Yaghi says, emphasizing its role in proactive management.

Connectivity challenges persist, but Yaghi highlights a deeper issue: defining the value of data. “The challenge is not just for producers, but also for those selling solutions. Is the data you generate valuable to a producer?”

Seamless integration and ease of use are also vital. “We have to make remote sensing not only about the sensor itself but also the systems and analytics that extract real value.”

Platforms like FCC’s AgExpert simplify farm management by bringing financial and production records into one place. With integrations such as John Deere Operations Center, AgExpert makes it easier to organize, access, and share data across systems and with trusted advisors.

Embrace on-farm innovation

Despite obstacles such as supply chain issues and data silos, farmers are finding creative ways to integrate these tools. In New Brunswick, maple syrup producers custom-built sensors to monitor sap flow and detect frozen pipes. They even overlay farm maps with satellite images to plan expansions.

Affordable, scalable technologies like mobile apps and smart irrigation make it easier to conserve resources, lower costs and increase yields. “Farmers are adaptable, they’re super resilient,” Yaghi says. “Canadian producers are among the leaders in adopting this technology.”

Crop health monitoring systems, such as Farmonaut, provide real-time insights into crop conditions – helping farmers make informed decisions on irrigation and fertilization, leading to productivity increases of up to 20 per cent.

Farmers Edge, METOS Canada and others also offer remote sensing and decision-support tools to help manage costs, inputs and yields more effectively.

Still, no technology will succeed unless it proves itself. “Is it delivering enough value at the moment when producers are willing to invest in that technology?” Yaghi asks.

The future of remote sensing hinges not just on new tools, but on real, actionable insights.

From an AgriSuccess article by Tim Parent.