Exploiting AgTech connectivity to corner the grain market

Exploiting AgTech Connectivity to Corner the Grain Market

Introduction

I live in the countryside and know quite a few farmers. The topic of connected farming systems often comes up at the local pub. Those familiar with Clarkson’s Farm will understand how complex some tractor systems can be.

Tractors and Autonomy

Tractors spend much of their time in private fields, making autonomy a promising prospect. However, robot tractors are still a way off, according to my farming friends. In the UK, tractors have many tasks and work in relatively small fields, often hauling trailers locally. Large fields would make robotic tractors more viable.

Connected Farming from the Cab

I have spent time in the cabs of combine and forage harvesters, witnessing a high level of autonomy and connectivity. Steering is automatic, guided by lasers and GPS. After entering a field map into the guidance system—either by circling the field or loading a precise map—the machine can handle almost everything, except turning at the end of each row, though some models can already do this.

"Steering is automatic; laser and/or GPS guided. Once a field map is entered... the vehicle can do just about everything, other than turn at the end of each furrow, though some can already do this."

Author’s summary: Connected farming combines advanced GPS-guided machinery and autonomy to transform UK agriculture, though full robotic adoption requires overcoming field size and task diversity challenges.

Pen Test Partners — 2025-11-07