Innovative Technologies Transforming Agricultural Practices

Today’s growers are embracing cutting-edge technology to enhance farm operations, addressing challenges such as rising input costs, climate change, soil degradation, and water scarcity. By utilizing digital tools and applications, farmers can actively monitor factors like soil moisture, fertilizer applications, and crop maturation, thereby optimizing crop yields and driving profitability.

The Rise of Precision Agriculture

Precision agriculture—a technology-driven approach to optimizing crop and livestock production—has gained significant traction over the last few decades. A U.S. Department of Agriculture study indicates that 68% of large-scale crop farms in the U.S. currently leverage yield monitors, yield maps, and soil maps, with usage expected to rise.

Agtech solutions that support precision agriculture and sustainable practices require an array of components, including sensors, automation systems, software, and hardware, all essential for effective monitoring and data collection throughout the growing season.

Innovative Solutions for Agronomy

Leading global distributor of electronic components and automation products, DigiKey, plays a pivotal role in the agricultural sector by facilitating the development of IoT-enabled devices. These technologies, encompassing sensors, smart controllers, and communication modules, empower farmers with real-time data collection and remote monitoring capabilities.

Components supplied by DigiKey have also contributed significantly to the smart soil solutions offered by AquaSpy. For over a decade, AquaSpy has provided farmers with tools to collect and analyze crop and soil profile data, addressing key questions about irrigation, fertilization timing, and soil nutrient levels.

With insights derived from these technologies, growers can optimize irrigation, minimize runoff, and conserve water—all while maintaining strong crop yields. A particular challenge faced by farmers is determining the optimal amount and frequency of irrigation, which varies according to zone, crop type, weather patterns, and soil quality.

As AquaSpy’s Vice President of Engineering, Peter Ellegaard, states, “We (humans) are draining the Ogallala Aquifer as fast as we can, and we are killing our soil as fast as we can…The only way you can change it is if you can measure it.” Frequent droughts are exacerbating the challenge, leading farmers to rely more heavily on groundwater as surface water supplies diminish.

More and more growers are employing below-ground technologies, such as AquaSpy’s battery-powered moisture sensors, which enable them to assess soil quality, moisture levels, and crop development through a user-friendly smartphone app. The subscription-based Crophesy service is integral to AquaSpy’s technology offerings.

DigiKey’s components facilitate the installation and management of these advanced moisture probes each growing season.

DigiKey: A Reliable Partner in Component Supply

For over ten years, AquaSpy has relied on DigiKey as its primary North American supplier of components. Ellegaard praises DigiKey’s website interface as “by far the best” for sourcing parts and components.

“Whenever I am looking for a new component, I don’t search on Google. I search on DigiKey’s website,” he notes, highlighting the convenience it offers.

Engineers, like Ellegaard, highly appreciate DigiKey’s exceptional cross-reference tool, which simplifies the search for repeat orders, hard-to-find components, or substitutes by displaying parametrically similar options. Users can simply enter manufacturer part numbers to access a comprehensive list of alternatives.

“The ability to do parametric search on DigiKey’s website makes it very easy to find new components. DigiKey is the de facto repository for searching for components,” Ellegaard emphasizes. With an annual component budget of approximately $700,000, he allocates around 50% of it to DigiKey’s in-stock inventory.

Driving Innovation in Agricultural Technology

AquaSpy continues to lead the charge in agricultural innovations, recently launching a streamlined probe that monitors nitrate and oxygen levels, delivering near real-time data—a pioneering advancement in the industry. Notably, nitrate constitutes about one-third of input costs for growers, making it a critical factor for soil health.

DigiKey remains committed to enhancing its offerings, ensuring that customers can efficiently access the components they require for product development and testing. Ellegaard commends DigiKey for retaining core services while augmenting website features for improved product layout and development.

Interestingly, more than half of DigiKey’s ecommerce customers approach the platform without specific part or supplier preferences, reflecting a marketplace that prioritizes availability and competitive pricing amidst fluctuating supply chains.

The Importance of Strategic Planning

While most electronic components and automation products are currently accessible, it’s crucial for businesses to plan ahead by identifying alternative parts through distributors rather than waiting for a supply crunch. Regular reviews of the Bill of Materials (BOM) are recommended at least every six months to a year. Ellegaard plans his purchases annually while addressing specialized products throughout the year as needed.

Conducting obsolescence checks can also be beneficial. DigiKey’s myLists platform can recommend alternatives for products that are unavailable, approaching obsolescence, or have extended lead times. Through direct collaboration with suppliers, DigiKey gathers valuable insights about product changes, new introductions, and discontinuations.

Ellegaard appreciates DigiKey’s reliable inventory search capabilities, which have provided AquaSpy’s team with stability and peace of mind during uncertain times when many companies face challenges in importing parts cost-effectively.

As a steadfast partner, DigiKey continues to advance technology in agriculture, supporting the next generation of food production.