Humans have been farming grain for thousands of years, but many changes have been made to the process since the dawn of agriculture. While the previous focus was on increasing production, today’s farmers are more concerned with consistency so they can reliably deliver a quality product to consumers. From massive corporate operations to quaint family farms, here are four ways that grain farmers are modernizing for consistent production.
Smaller Operations
Scaling back to focus on quality is one of the most effective ways to make production more consistent, and the consumer grain market is trending toward smaller operations. Abandoned local mills are even being brought back to life to support small farmers. What about profit? Consumers are increasingly more comfortable with paying higher prices for an artisan product that offers superior taste and nutrition.
Utilizing the Cloud
You might think that cloud-based solutions are just for tech companies, but utilizing the cloud can also improve production yield and consistency on the farm. From inventory control and maintenance schedules to record entry and lot numbering, many administrative processes can be consolidated and simplified with an Agriculture Cloud ERP. The cloud also lets you monitor operations in real time so you can keep an eye on things when you’re away from the farm.
Increasing Traceability
Today’s consumers care more about where their food came from than past generations, so making your product traceable from farm to table is a great way to earn their trust. Innovations in tracing technology allow customers to identify the type of product they are looking for whether it’s organic, non-GMO or allergen friendly. Advanced tracing also makes it easier to pursue certifications for your product.
Reducing Waste
Did you know that $165 billion dollars worth of edible food is wasted in the United States every year? Much of this waste happens on the farm when sub-par and excess product is tossed out or plowed under, but today’s farmers are taking heed and working to reduce waste so that unwanted food can end up on the tables of hungry families all over the world. Donating imperfect-but-edible batches to those in need is a much more socially responsible way to keep your final product consistent.
Although new developments are being made in production consistency, it’s important to remember that some degree of inconsistency will always be present in any type of farming. The ability to deal with unexpectedly high or low yields and varying quality of product can make or break your farm’s success.
Meghan Belnap is a freelance writer who enjoys spending time with her family. She loves being in the outdoors and exploring new opportunities whenever they arise. Meghan finds happiness in researching new topics that help to expand her horizons. You can often find her buried in a good book or out looking for an adventure. You can connect with her on Facebook right here and Twitter right here.
