Key Takeaways
- Emergent Connext and Cal.net hosted a field demonstration in California’s Central Valley to showcase digital agriculture tools.
- Automated irrigation and IoT-enabled monitoring were presented as options for improving farm water use and labor management.
- Growers including Don Cameron and Joy Sterling discussed practical applications on their operations.
- Water savings, labor efficiency, and precision control were noted as early outcomes from implementation.
- Reliable internet connectivity was emphasized as a foundational requirement for digital adoption on farms.
Field Demonstration Explores Practical Use of Digital Tools in Agriculture
Farmers in California’s Central Valley recently attended a field demonstration co-hosted by Emergent Connext and Cal.net, where various digital tools for agriculture were presented. The event focused on data-driven solutions such as automated irrigation systems, soil sensors, and livestock tracking technology.
The goal was to illustrate how these systems can be applied in both row crop and specialty crop operations. According to participants, integrating real-time data into farm management may assist in optimizing inputs, improving operational efficiency, and adapting to evolving regulatory or environmental constraints.
Examples from Growers Implementing Digital Solutions
Irrigation Management at Terranova Ranch
Don Cameron, Vice President and General Manager of Terranova Ranch, shared that his team began using Emergent Connext’s automation platform for irrigation on a portion of the farm. He said the system allowed for more flexibility in water use and reduced labor hours tied to manual valve operation.
“We can irrigate when we need to, applying water in smaller amounts and adjusting based on specific conditions,” Cameron said.
He referenced a report by the Federal Communications Commission that profiled Terranova’s system, noting water savings between 10% and 30%.
Viticulture and Water Control at Iron Horse Vineyards
Joy Sterling, CEO of Iron Horse Vineyards, described the challenges of managing irrigation on her vineyard’s varied terrain. By using sensors connected through the Emergent Connext platform, Sterling said the vineyard can regulate water application by zone, aiming to avoid under- or over-watering.
“We’re focused on achieving better balance between vine growth and fruit quality by using targeted irrigation,” Sterling stated.
Connectivity as a Limiting Factor in Digital Agriculture
At the event, Emergent Connext CEO Mike Roudi emphasized that many agricultural regions still face challenges with internet access. According to Roudi, remote areas may not have sufficient connectivity to support digital tools, creating barriers to wider adoption.
“Our goal is to make these technologies viable in regions where connectivity has traditionally been limited,” Roudi said.
The platform is designed to integrate multiple sensor types and provide centralized data access through one system, enabling growers to make decisions based on real-time observations.
Potential Applications Beyond Irrigation
Participants discussed the possibility of expanding digital tools to other farm functions, including crop growth modeling, yield forecasting, and pest monitoring. Both Sterling and Cameron mentioned plans to further explore how connected devices could support other decision-making processes on their farms.
“Once systems are in place, they could support a broader range of applications over time,” Cameron noted.
Outlook for Connected Agriculture
The event concluded with a discussion on how platforms like Emergent Connext could support long-term shifts toward more precise and adaptive farm management. As growers increasingly evaluate digital tools, factors such as ease of use, return on investment, and infrastructure support are expected to influence adoption rates.
