In Saskatchewan, Canada, Jake Leguee represents the third generation of his family to work in farming, carrying on a legacy that began with his grandfather's purchase of 640 acres in 1956.

Over the years, the farm has expanded significantly, now spanning 17,000 acres and cultivating a diverse range of crops, including canola, wheat, flax, and green lentils.

As a child, Leguee observed his father and grandfather dedicating long hours to tending to their crops, often in challenging conditions, which sparked his interest in finding more efficient methods.

According to Leguee, the farming industry has undergone substantial improvements in efficiency thanks to technological advancements, transforming the way farmers work.

To maintain a competitive edge, Leguee has implemented various innovations on his farm, particularly in the area of crop spraying, where technology has greatly enhanced the process.

By utilizing software and remote cameras on his John Deere tractor, Leguee can target weeds with greater precision, a crucial step in preparing the soil for planting.

Leguee explains that the system enables the tractor to detect weeds and spray them individually while moving at a speed of approximately 15 miles per hour.

This targeted approach also results in significant cost savings, as the nozzles only release pesticide when weeds are detected, reducing unnecessary spraying.

Leguee notes that investing in these technological advancements often yields a high return on investment, making them a valuable addition to his farm operations.

He suggests that farmers can explore a range of solutions, from low-cost apps that aid in record-keeping to more advanced technologies, to find what works best for their specific needs.

This willingness to adapt and innovate is a trend being observed among farmers across North America.

A survey conducted by McKinsey in 2024 found that 57% of farmers in the region plan to adopt new technologies aimed at increasing yields within the next two years.

A 2022 report by the US Department of Agriculture highlighted that while the overall number of farms in the country is declining, those that remain are becoming increasingly reliant on technology.

Norah Lake, owner of Sweetland Farms in Vermont, emphasizes the importance of forward-thinking and adaptability in farming, stating that success requires constant planning and evaluation.

Lake previously used Microsoft Excel to track and compare yields from different harvests and years, seeking insights to inform her farming decisions.

She recalls wanting to understand the outcomes of specific planting decisions, such as the yield from 100 bed feet of broccoli, to refine her strategies.

More recently, Lake has adopted software and an app from the company Tend to streamline her farm management, allowing her to input harvest data and receive detailed analysis and advice.

By transitioning these tasks to a digital platform, Lake aims to reduce the labor involved in managing her farm, which produces a variety of vegetables and pastured meat.

The Tend software provides Lake with valuable insights and recommendations for optimizing her crop management, enabling her to make more informed decisions.

Lake explains that Tend also helps her calculate the seed quantity needed for specific crops, based on the desired harvest outcome, further enhancing her farm's efficiency.

The agricultural sector is witnessing a proliferation of technological solutions designed to support farmers.

Syngenta, a leading agritech company based in Switzerland, offers Cropwise, a software that leverages AI and satellite imagery to provide farmers with guidance and alerts on crop management.

According to Feroz Sheikh, Syngenta's chief information officer, Cropwise can identify potential issues in specific areas of a field, such as pest outbreaks, and notify farmers, utilizing 20 years of weather pattern data to predict outcomes.

Armed with this information, farmers can take proactive measures, such as covering their crops before an impending frost, to protect their yields.

In Germany, Jean-Pascal Lutze founded NoMaze with the goal of providing farmers with a deeper understanding of how different crops respond to various climate conditions.

NoMaze's software, which is being rolled out this year, offers simulations and insights based on field tests and computer modeling, helping farmers optimize water usage and maximize yields.

The impact of these technological advancements may extend beyond the farming community, potentially affecting consumers, notes Heather Darby, an agronomist and soil specialist at the University of Vermont.

By increasing food production, these technologies could lead to lower prices at the retail level, benefiting consumers.

Darby suggests that the use of these technologies can contribute to a more stable and secure food system by helping farmers avoid crop failures and maintain a controlled environment.

Back in Saskatchewan, Leguee observes that younger farmers are more likely to embrace technology, while older farmers may be more resistant to change.

He emphasizes the importance of being open to new ideas and technologies in the farming industry.

Leguee notes that farming operations are often multi-million-dollar businesses that support multiple families, making it essential to adopt technologies that can enhance their efficiency and viability.

He recalls a saying that highlights the importance of treating farming as a business: "If you approach farming as a business, it can be a great way of life, but if you view it solely as a way of life, it can become a challenging business."