Farm family finds bottom-line gains with early adoption
From the earliest of times, farmers have tested and improved farming practices to benefit their operation and the soybean industry. Early adopters – those who are quick to test new technology – can benefit from increased yields or improved efficiencies and gain a competitive advantage.
Steve Anderson has a reputation for being an early adopter, and he sees the benefits of this mindset in improving and growing his operation. This fifth-generation farmer focuses on finding new technologies that improve efficiencies on his operation in central Iowa. The reputation has led to new marketing and profit opportunities as well as being among the first to learn about new technology.
Anderson tries to find the next “magic bullet,” whether that’s in selecting seed with beneficial traits or using management practices that can improve sustainability. He was an early advocate of seed technology with stacked traits and sees the advantages in yield potential and efficiencies gained.
“When considering a new technology, I’m trying to find ways to increase efficiencies – even small improvements can lead to big bottom-line gains,” he says.
Early adoption starts with research
Anderson points to reading and research as keys to success.
Regularly reading farm publications and websites and discussing new tools with industry experts helps him see the benefits and how he can best implement innovation on his operation.
He says new technology often leads to significant benefits. For example, early on, he didn’t see the need for a tillage tractor with auto-steer capability. But after seeing issues with accuracy and increasing labor and fuel costs, he’s been auto steering ever since.
Staying on the leading edge of technology not only improves the operation but can help him stay ahead of competition.
“If you fall behind, you can’t afford to compete on what you already have, so it’s important to stay up on the latest practices,” Anderson says.
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