⏰ Est. reading time: 3 mins‍

💡 What you’ll learn:

• Top tech trends defining the future of agriculture
• Why digital payments for agriculture workers are a critical part of adopting the right tech tools

The agriculture industry is undergoing a technological transformation unlike anything we’ve ever seen. More than 60% of farms are expected to adopt automation technologies by the end of 2025—and adopting these technologies is projected to boost crop yields by up to 30%. 

There is a huge potential for innovative new tools and practices that can increase yields, drive efficiency, and improve sustainability for the years to come. From AI-powered tractors to digital twin technology, here are the top tech trends defining this transformation, and how farms and facilities are making the most of them to ensure a successful future.

1. Precision Agriculture: Smarter, Data-Driven Farming

Precision agriculture is a strategy that involves gathering data to make processes more efficient at your farm or facility. By collecting information on exactly what is needed and when, you have the potential to minimize waste, reduce environmental impact, and improve the overall health of your crops or animals.

Smart irrigation systems and soil detectors are examples of precision agriculture at work: they can tell you when more water or fertilizer is required, helping you only use as many resources as necessary. 

You might also use livestock activity monitors on your animals to gain a better understanding of their health or feeding behaviors. All of this data is automatically collected, helping you save time and make better decisions about your resources. 

2. Autonomous Farming Equipment: From Self-Driving Tractors to Robotic Milkers

Autonomous farming equipment, such as self-driving tractors, have become increasingly popular in recent years as a new way to improve farm efficiency. Some technologies even allow farmers to operate and supervise an entire fleet of self-driving tractors at a time, all remotely. There are also options such as autonomous milkers for dairy farming, which can automate and speed up milk collection.

Technologies like these can help lower labor costs while streamlining production. However, like any industry, agriculture has to find the balance between automated equipment and processes and a human touch. Autonomous equipment still requires human supervision in order to ensure safe practices are in place. 

3. Digital Twin Technology: Virtual Farming for Real-World Optimization

Digital Twin technology can create virtual replicas of farms, crops, or equipment by mirroring their state in real time. By integrating data from IoT sensors, drones, and satellite imagery, digital twins can provide detailed insights into crop health, weather patterns, machine performance, and more. 

This allows for predictive analysis, helping you optimize operations and make more informed, data-driven decisions about things like irrigation, fertilization, and harvesting—which may ultimately lead to better yields and long-term sustainability.  

4. Fast, Digital Payments: Empowering the Agriculture Workforce

Behind every harvest or processed product are hardworking people who make it all happen: agriculture workers. Yet despite their vital role, agriculture has long relied on outdated payment processes like paper checks to pay workers. Many agriculture workers may not have an existing bank account—and if they do, it still requires additional hassle on your end and theirs, causing friction and delays when it comes to getting paid. 

Increasingly, farms and facilities are turning to digital payroll solutions to create a more inclusive payments experience and a more seamless process for everyone involved. In an industry where labor is critical and often time-sensitive, digital financial tools are making it easier than ever to pay workers promptly and securely. This shift not only boosts financial inclusion in rural areas but also improves transparency, worker satisfaction, and overall productivity. 

Payments platforms like Branch allow you to pay workers with modern paycards that reduce delays in payments and administrative headaches. Plus, if you choose to adopt same-day payroll, you can even pay workers after every shift. 

Helping Farms and Facilities Grow a Better Payday

The health of the agriculture industry will depend on its ability to adopt the right technology; not only can these innovative tools help deliver higher yields, but they may also contribute to greater resilience and sustainability for the future. 

In order to ride the wave of innovation, it will be crucial to adopt a technology-first mindset not just for farms and facilities, but for the people who power them: agriculture workers. Today’s agriculture workers want and deserve mobile-first paydays that can pay them quickly and seamlessly. 

A digital-first solution—like Branch’s modern paycard and digital wallet—can revolutionize workforce payments in agriculture. Workers can be paid with the push of a button to their accounts—even in remote areas. And with a digital-first system, farms and facilities gain clear audit trails of payments, helping to stay compliant.

Learn more about Branch for agriculture

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