A farmer walking into any equipment dealer or ag conference technology showroom today can see tractors and combines equipped with Farm Management Software (FMS) and automated data collection. From planting to harvesting, growers can use technology to make decisions that are faster, smarter, and more precise. But behind every screen and sensor is a person — someone who knows their land, understands their crops and is ready to use the tools of precision agriculture to make every acre count. This is where we at RDO Equipment Co. believe in people-powered precision agriculture.  

At its core, precision agriculture is about making informed decisions. It’s not just about collecting data but using that data to act. Whether it’s adjusting seeding rates, applying fertilizer more efficiently or tracking equipment performance, precision agriculture helps to make choices based on knowledge, not guesswork. But this ability only comes from the relationships among people, an FMS, machine performance and farmers’ commitment to developing their knowledge to get a 360-degree view of a farm’s one-of-a-kind operation based on its crops, environment and technology solutions. 

The Key People and Technology for Precision Ag  

Precision agriculture doesn’t replace the farmer but empowers them to make data-informed decisions with the help of their precision agriculture partners, such as an agronomist or a precision agriculture specialist. Farmers are still making the calls, but they have tools to see more, know more and do more.  

• Farmers are using real-time data to adjust on the fly, whether it’s changing application rates or spotting issues before they spread. 
• Precision ag equipment product managers and agronomists work alongside the farmer and review data to fine-tune recommendations that support a farmer’s goals. 
• Training and trust are key. The more a farmer uses these tools, the more confident the whole farm team can become.  

Watch Clint Pikula share his experience partnering with farmers to implement the John Deere Operations Center, a versatile FMS.  

At a trusted equipment dealer like RDO, a precision ag specialist can train farmers to connect equipment to their preferred FMS, like John Deere Operations Center. Here are some of the technology tools a farmer would use to connect tractors and learn from data. 

G5Plus Display 

Think of this as the in-cab command center. The G5Plus Display provides a clear, fast and customizable operational view. From guidance lines to implementing control, it’s designed to help make real-time decisions with confidence. 

StarFire™ Receiver 

The StarFire™ Receiver delivers sub-inch GPS precision, which means better planting, spraying and harvesting. It’s the difference between overlapping passes and perfect rows, and that adds to real savings. 

JDLink™ Modem 

Connectivity is the backbone of precision ag. JDLink™ sends machines’ data sets to the Operations Center. Whether the farmer is in the cab or at the kitchen table, they can monitor performance, share data and stay in control. 

When equipment is linked to an FMS, the whole farm team can implement a cycle of continuous improvement during each growing phase.  

Here’s how these tools work in sync: 

• Collect: Sensors and equipment gather data on everything from soil conditions to machine performance. 
• Analyze: That data is processed and visualized through the in-cab display or online platform. 
• Act: The farmer or equipment manager can make informed decisions, adjust rates, change routes or plan next season’s strategy. 

Many farmers partnering with RDO learn from data sets from year to year.  

Results from Real Farms 

At Barkley Co., a fourth-generation farm, precision ag made a measurable impact. By using variable rate seeding and machine monitoring, they cut input costs by 12% and boosted yield by 9% — all in one season.

Watch this video to hear from the Barkley Co. team and RDO team members who partnered to train on variable rate seeding. 

People Plus Data Equal Success 

Farming will always rely on the experience of those who know the land. But with tools like the Operations Center and support from trusted experts, farmers can combine tradition with technology to make smarter decisions every season.

Ready to connect with trusted precision ag advisors? Visit RDOEquipment.com or contact your local RDO store today.  

Sidebar: How to Automate Machine Data Collection for the Farm 

Farmers automate data collection for multiple tractors operating in different field conditions using Modular Telematics Gateways (MTG). An MTG connects the tractor to a web-based Farm Management Software (FMS) account. Many tractors of different makes and models can connect to an effective FMS like John Deere Operations Center™. Here are general steps to get started on the Operations Center with your connected tractor: 

1. Download the John Deere Operations Center mobile app or access it via the website. 
2. Create an account or log in if you already have one. 
3. Navigate to the ‘My Equipment’ section. 
4. Select ‘Add Equipment’. 
5. Enter the tractor’s serial number and confirm the model. 
6. Activate the JDLink connectivity service to connect the MTG to the internet. This may require a subscription. 
7. Sync your tractor with the Operations Center to monitor and manage your equipment data.