Historically there were regional differences in Agri-CULTURE, not only in the crops that were grown but how business was done. Change was difficult and took time.
The new hot trends would typically start in the central corn, cotton or wheat belt(s) in the US. These new trends would ripple out after they were proven to work commercially.
That culture is changing rapidly under the influence of two trends: Technology and changing demographics.
Ten or twenty years ago, the regional differences in farming and large and small companies in the U.S. were enough to allow islands of inefficiency to exist. Farmers who operated because “That’s the way my Dad did it” went without challenge; companies that had strong regional influence and loyalty were protected from challenge.
Technology changed that. How does this level the playing field?
Today, successful results from new ideas are exchanged faster.
That has meant regional variations of the service offering and systems farmers and companies are using are disappearing. Even for a company that has been historically protected in a particular region, the changes in technology and demographics demand now, best-in-class, regardless of geography.
Gone are the days of stacks of paper or searching through files for the answer. The Amazon expectation is alive in Agri-CULTURE. Transparency, immediate traceability and interactive systems are going to be the norm with a heavy dose of social media. All systems from Seed to Fork are going to feel vulnerable if they don’t keep up with these trends. In many regions in the U.S. it will be a key differentiator for success.
In fact, technology is the key to the next big leap in Farm productivity. Best in class service is going to be required going forward. New, efficient, time saving and more value oriented systems will be demanded.
The pace of change is going to speed up even more.
Are you ready?
At GL Mills & Assoc we have successfully assisted farmers and companies as they seek to learn and adapt to this trend. Let us know if we can help you.
