Exploiting AgTech connectivity to corner the grain market

Exploiting AgTech Connectivity to Corner the Grain Market

Introduction

I live in the countryside and, as a result, know quite a few farmers. In local pubs, the topic of connected farming systems often comes up. Those who have watched Clarkson’s Farm will recognize how complex and confusing tractor systems can be.

Autonomy and Field Work

Tractors operate mostly in private fields, which creates strong potential for autonomy. However, my farmer friends believe the era of fully robotic tractors is still some distance away. In the UK, tractors handle a wide range of tasks and the fields are relatively small, so they spend much of their time towing trailers around the area and performing varied activities.

“If we simply had enormous fields, robots might work.”

Inside Connected Farming Systems

I’ve spent time in the cabs of modern combine harvesters and forage machines. Their level of automation and connectivity is impressive. Steering is handled automatically, guided by lasers or GPS. Once a field map is uploaded—typically by driving around its perimeter or importing a high-precision map—the machine can complete almost the entire task unaided. Some systems are even capable of turning at the end of each row.

Author’s Summary

Connectivity and automation are transforming UK farming, but small, varied fields still limit the full move toward robotic agriculture.

Pen Test Partners — 2025-11-07