Top 5 Considerations for IoT Sensors in Farming

Sensor-based data collection in farming using data collection sensors (Referred to as IoT or “Internet of Things” devices) is growing in all types of crops, as more and more AgTech companies release products to track everything from irrigation levels to crop vigor. In previous posts, I’ve talked about the importance of tracking data to make better decisions on the farm.[LINK] Like with any new technology though, it’s sometimes hard to evaluate its effectiveness.

• Did that thing I buy really help the bottom line, or was it something else I did?
• How much better was it than the one that cost half as much?

Along with that, determining what to consider up front before fully committing capital to implement and scale the technology can also be tricky.

Based on working with several sensor vendors over the past several years, I’ve come to view every new AgTech solution through a set of five criteria, or considerations.

1. Concentration & Cost

When thinking about rolling out sensor-based systems across an orchard or field, it’s important to consider what the ideal level of concentration would be and the cost that goes with that. If a weather station is being sold as the means to track data for micro-climates, how many weather stations do I need…