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Fieldin Joins Leading Harvest as Program Supporter

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With a combined commitment to sustainable agriculture, Fieldin is proud to join <a href="https://www.leadingharvest.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Leading Harvest</a> as a Program Supporter. Leading Harvest is paving the way in establishing a common framework to help advance sustainability initiatives across the agriculture sector. This partnership directly aligns with Fieldin’s vision to help growers thrive in the face of ever-changing conditions and challenges.
“Every day, we work alongside growers to find new, innovative ways to do more with less, and sustainability is at the core of these efforts. As a Program Supporter of Leading Harvest, we look forward to engaging with the community in meaningful ways to continuously improve sustainability practices in our industry.” 
–Iftach Birger, Co-Founder &amp; COO, Fieldin
Established in 2020, Leading Harvest is a nonprofit organization committed to increasing adoption of sustainability practices in agriculture. They provide assurance programs comprised of common standards, audit procedures, training and education, and reporting and claim offerings – all of which have been intentionally designed for flexibility, scalability, and impact. The organization has quickly become an industry leader and trusted partner for stakeholders across the agricultural value chain. Today, over 1.5M acres have been certified under the Leading Harvest umbrella, and this number is growing rapidly.
“Program Supporters are a critical component driving Leading Harvest’s mission of continuous improvement. The people, products, and services in this segment of membership drive continuous improvement on-farm benefitting the supply chain, consumers, growers, and landowners. The innovative work that Fieldin is engaging in provides a wonderful addition to our membership as they support the mission and vision of Leading Harvest.” 
– Andrew Lauver, Director of Strategic Alliances and Programs at Leading Harvest
Sustainable agriculture requires collective commitment, effort, and impact. Together, with the Leading Harvest community, we will continue to support the agriculture community in delivering positive outcomes that protect and nurture our earth for future generations.

At the recent <a href="https://www.almonds.com/almond-industry/industry-news/50th-almond-conference-wraps-strong-attendance-and-sessions-help-0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">50th Annual Almond Conference</a> in Fresno, keynote speakers discussed several major concerns and challenges facing almonds growers. As things currently stand; prices remain suppressed, inventory has skyrocketed due to shipping constraints, acreage has reduced, and water and labor availability remain an issue. Combined with increasing operational costs, almond growers are facing slim margins.
Despite these challenges, the industry is committed to helping growers chart a more sustainable future to become more profitable while navigating regulatory and environmental matters. Gaining greater insight on what market forces are doing and how that will influence almond production can help growers understand what their options are. Equally having greater visibility into all growing activities and operating equipment with more accuracy and precision can improve operational efficiency to increase margins and add to the bottom line.
<h4>Market factors impacting California almonds</h4>
While there are many issues that impact almond growers, there are three major market factors beyond their control that have had a significant impact on their ability to remain profitable:
Almond production: In the previous decade, almond production experienced steady growth with the price increasing from $1.65 per pound in 2009 to $2.45 per pound in 2019, with production output of 2.56 billion pounds from 1.18 million acres of fruit bearing trees. During this time the price peaked at $4 per pound in 2014 generating a production value of more than $7.3 million. But sadly, since then this figure has been in decline. Despite an increase in acreage and strong yields by the end of 2021 production value sat around $5 million with a price per pound of $1.76. (Ref: <a href="https://www.almonds.com/sites/default/files/2022-05/202205almpd.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USDA 2022 Almond Forecast</a>)
Shipping challenges: One of the major challenges in 2021 / 2022 was the inability to ship almonds to export destinations. Following the pandemic, shipping containers were in short supply and came at a premium. Shipping companies rode this wave choosing to return shipping containers empty to Asia, rather than carry US export produce such as almonds. This resulted in a huge frustration for almond growers as inventory piled up. While it’s usual to have some excess inventory to be able to supply changing market demand, inventory levels have increased by almost 50% in the past year. Some growers had to build additional storage facilities, but the problem remains that almonds sitting in storage don’t generate income for growers.
Impact of trade tariffs and competitive markets: A further blow to the industry was retaliation by export markets to a US initiated trade war. In 2018, the USA instituted import tariffs of 25% and 10% respectively on steel and aluminum imports from China, Canada, Mexico and the European Union, among others. Despite these tariffs being levied on metal commodities, it was the almond growers that suffered as a result. In retaliation, three of the largest almond export markets, namely China, Turkey, and India, responded by implementing trade tariffs on unshelled almonds of up to 45%. This made the cost of importing US grown almonds significantly more expensive. To compound this, zero-tariff trade agreements were signed with alternate almond export countries such as Australia, making it more attractive for importers to buy from them instead of the USA. (Ref: <a href="https://s.giannini.ucop.edu/uploads/pub/2022/10/24/v26n1_1.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://s.giannini.ucop.edu/uploads/pub/2022/10/24/v26n1_1.pdf</a>)
These three factors indicate that almond prices are likely to stay depressed for the short term. A decrease in acreage in almond trees for the first time in decades indicates that planting more trees to expand growing operations is not a viable solution right now.
While industry bodies work to try to resolve some of the trade and marketplace challenges, almond growers will need to make adjustments and prepare for a slowdown in growth. For growers trying to weather the storm, finding ways to become more efficient in their operations and reduce the cost of production is critical. This can be supported by agricultural technology where the use of data has the potential to change the way growers approach their operations.
<h4>How technology supports greater precision and accuracy in almond growing activities</h4>
Gathering data is the starting point to improving operations. By installing smart sensors on all existing machinery and farming equipment, there is the benefit of being able to track operational activities. As the machines work, the sensors continually send data to a cloud platform where it can be organized into dashboards. This creates a benchmark that helps growers better understand how efficient their operations are, and where there’s potential for improvement.
Having data showing what speed each sprayer was moving through the orchard can measure how efficient spraying operations are for each machine. As an example: Less mature trees require less spray and being able to spray with greater precision and accuracy can save on costs. Identifying where there are spaces between the trees and when the sprayer is making a turn at the end of a row, combined with the ability to switch the spray on and off at these times, helps to improve spray efficiency.
The same applies for harvesting. As almond growers know, both over or under shaking trees at harvest time can increase operational costs later in the season. The risk with undershaking is not only reduced yields, but also that nuts left on the tree go black, which can affect the health of the tree. Winter cleaning usually takes care of the nuts left behind but if there are excessive nuts left on the trees as a result of undershaking, it increases the cost of winter cleaning as the process takes longer. Overshaking, on the other hand, can damage trees which leads to reduced yields and potential tree loss. Hence, precision and visibility in shaking operations is essential.
If harvesting activities are carried out more accurately these costs can be greatly reduced. This highlights the need to be able to operate shakers with greater precision and to have visibility on operations when the activities are taking place so that corrections can be made on the same shift. As long as a manager has access to WiFi or 5G signal, the data on activities can be viewed. Even if they’re out of range, the data is still stored on the cloud operations platform to provide insights on growing activities.
It’s this data, when combined with growing expertise that has the potential to have the most impact on almond growing activities. It becomes possible to set targets for improving accuracy of shaking or spraying, for example, and this progress can be tracked. Year over year, the data shows exactly where improvements have been made.
The more growers use the insights to improve productivity and efficiency, the greater the potential impact on the bottom line. In this way, technology becomes the tool helping growers secure their farm future. The ability to carry out growing activities with greater precision and accuracy and track progress throughout the season helps improve productivity. More importantly, almond growers can make more informed decisions, based on more accurate data.

California almonds - what’s next for growers to maintain a farm future?

2022 was a year characterized by steadfast resiliency among the grower community. Our team is driven by the mission to help high value crop growers thrive in the face of ever-changing conditions and challenges. And while the past year has certainly dealt its share of challenges, we’re proud of what we’ve been able to achieve together with growers, continuously evolving and innovating to squeeze the most value out of every acre, while also helping preserve the longevity of farmlands for future generations.
In this post, we take a look back at some notable highlights, emerging trends, and key milestones from the past year, and look ahead to exciting things to come in the new year.
<h3>2022 Highlight Reel</h3>
<h5>Expanded acreage on Fieldin</h5>
Over the past year, we have continued to see the total area managed on the Fieldin platform expand across new regions, acreage, and crops. Citing measurable ROI as the key driver, we saw many customers double down on their use of the platform by enabling Fieldin across more of their operations. Some of the most valuable returns have come in the form of shift time optimization, fuel savings, and spray material reduction.
Early last year, we expanded our team presence in the Pacific Northwest region of the U.S. following an increase in demand and are now working with 5 of the top 10 growers in this region, including Gilbert Orchards, Columbia Farm Services, and Zirkle Fruit, to name a few. Additionally, we’ve seen a notable rise in adoption within the vineyard segment across California and PNW regions, growing vineyard acres on the platform over 400% in 2022.
As larger companies seek to gain greater visibility to operate with more accuracy, efficiency, and accountability across their operations, we’ve also seen increased adoption and usage among our corporate grower segment. Growers like Vann Brothers, Taylor Farms, Goldleaf, and Wawona, who oversee diverse and complex operations are finding renewed confidence in their planning as a result of being armed with data-backed insights.
<h5>Operator incentive programs powered by Fieldin</h5>
An emerging trend that we’ve seen develop among several growers is the creation of performance-based incentive programs for operators using the visibility and data that Fieldin provides.
Labor shortages and rising wages are consistently noted as a top challenge for growers. Hence, optimizing shift efficiency is critical. With the real-time visibility of the mobile app and insights from custom reporting, shift supervisors are able to reward top performers while also holding under-performers accountable for excessive breaks and slow operating speeds.
These programs take different forms, including gamification with leaderboards and prizes, career advancement opportunities, and end-of-season bonuses. Incentive programs like these have been especially helpful for ranch managers who face pushback from operators who may have a negative perception of being monitored with tracking devices.
<h5>ESG impact reporting</h5>
As companies heighten their attention around investing and operating more responsibly, they are honing in on practices across three key areas: Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG). For the agriculture sector, much of the focus has centered on environmental sustainability.
Consumers and investors are increasingly demanding growers and portfolio managers to demonstrate their commitment to environmental sustainability. To meet this need, farmland asset managers are relying on in-field data so they can communicate things like greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction, carbon capture, dust control practices, and more. We’ve already started to see Fieldin customers use their data to communicate ESG impact in their sustainability and annual investor reports.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1769 size-large" src="http://api.fieldin.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/fieldin-agriculture-sustainability-reporting-1024x586.png" alt="agriculture sustainability reporting" width="1024" height="586" srcset="https://api.fieldin.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/fieldin-agriculture-sustainability-reporting-1024x586.png 1024w, https://api.fieldin.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/fieldin-agriculture-sustainability-reporting-300x172.png 300w, https://api.fieldin.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/fieldin-agriculture-sustainability-reporting-768x439.png 768w, https://api.fieldin.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/fieldin-agriculture-sustainability-reporting-1536x878.png 1536w, https://api.fieldin.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/fieldin-agriculture-sustainability-reporting-2048x1171.png 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" />
<h5>Journey to autonomy</h5>
Following Fieldin’s acquisition of Midnight Robotics in late 2021, we spent much of the last year building the first product in our autonomy line, Auto-Spray. Unlike other autonomous spraying equipment that requires a large upfront investment in new machinery, Fieldin’s Auto-Spray solution is made up of a retrofit kit that installs on your existing equipment. It uses LiDAR technology to detect trees and vines to accurately spray the right amount of materials in areas where the system detects that it can save chemicals.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1772 size-large" src="http://api.fieldin.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/fieldin-auto-spray-retrofit-kit-1024x387.png" alt="autospray retrofit kit" width="1024" height="387" srcset="https://api.fieldin.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/fieldin-auto-spray-retrofit-kit-1024x387.png 1024w, https://api.fieldin.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/fieldin-auto-spray-retrofit-kit-300x113.png 300w, https://api.fieldin.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/fieldin-auto-spray-retrofit-kit-768x290.png 768w, https://api.fieldin.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/fieldin-auto-spray-retrofit-kit-1536x581.png 1536w, https://api.fieldin.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/fieldin-auto-spray-retrofit-kit-2048x774.png 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" />
This product became available for order mid-year, and we conducted a series of Fieldin Demo Days to showcase the technology and its capabilities. Working alongside growers, we very quickly realized how much value Auto-Spray provides, delivering up to 87% in chemical savings in some cases. We will continue to expand this rollout over the coming year, with many units already committed for delivery.
<h5>New Fieldin website experience</h5>
Just recently, we launched the new fieldin.com website experience to serve as a dedicated resource to help growers grow smarter. We invite you to take a look around, and of course, let us know any feedback.
<a href="http://api.fieldin.com/newsletter-signup/">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> to keep a pulse on industry news, product updates, and upcoming events.
<h3>Evolution &amp; Innovation in 2023</h3>
As we look ahead to the coming year, the near term will include many carry-over challenges from 2022, including high input costs, volatile market conditions, and turbulent environmental factors. In the face of these challenges, growers will continue to harness the power of data and technology to become more efficient and precise in their operations, increasing their bottom lines and yields in the process.
Here are some of our trends and predictions, along with a preview of our product roadmap and event lineup for 2023.
<h4>Trends &amp; Predictions</h4>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-1821 size-large" src="http://api.fieldin.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/high-value-crops-trends-predictions-2023-1024x507.jpg" alt="high value crops trends and predictions 2023" width="1024" height="507" srcset="https://api.fieldin.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/high-value-crops-trends-predictions-2023-1024x507.jpg 1024w, https://api.fieldin.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/high-value-crops-trends-predictions-2023-300x148.jpg 300w, https://api.fieldin.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/high-value-crops-trends-predictions-2023-768x380.jpg 768w, https://api.fieldin.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/high-value-crops-trends-predictions-2023-1536x760.jpg 1536w, https://api.fieldin.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/high-value-crops-trends-predictions-2023-2048x1014.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" />
Profitability &amp; ROI will rank #1 in decision-making 
Growers will continue to reach for solutions to squeeze the most value from each acre, with a particularly strong focus on cost savings. Solutions with strong, proven ROI will win.
Connecting data across different sources will become a top priority 
As the number of point solutions in the agtech sector continues to increase, growers will look for a single dashboard to manage all of their data. To meet this need, we will see increased collaboration between technology companies in the form of data transfer capabilities (e.g. APIs), as well as consolidation of companies to provide more comprehensive service offerings.
Outsider tech will struggle 
Growers will continue to value AgTech solutions built from real-world ag experience versus new entrants with little-to-no background in agriculture.
Specialized technology and data roles will emerge 
“Global spending on smart technology and connected systems in the ag space is projected to triple in revenue by <a href="https://www.morningagclips.com/what-will-2023-hold-for-the-agricultural-industry/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2050</a>”. In line with this, growers will increasingly need to dedicate resources and create specialized positions to oversee technology, data, and analytics across their operations. Roles such as IT Managers, Data Analysts, CTOs, and CIOs will start to make their way into ag.
Autonomous solutions will become more attainable 
To fit into growers’ continually shrinking budgets, autonomous solution providers will look to define growth paths that enable customers to gradually grow into autonomous solutions that allow them to get value today while also investing in their future.
Sustainability reporting will become more standardized 
As ESG impact reporting continues to make its way up the prioritization pole, standards bodies and protocols will start to consolidate and become mainstream. The initial areas of focus will be on quantification of efforts and impact.
<h4>Key Areas of Focus for Fieldin</h4>
Here are a few areas where our team is excited to focus attention over the coming year.
Integrations 
With growers often leveraging many different systems to collect and analyze data, we are working on ways to make it easier to connect and visualize Fieldin data alongside external data sources so that growers can get to the insights they need, faster. This includes integrations with other software used for activities such as pesticide reporting, enterprise resource planning (ERP), and other specialized agronomy software.
Machine maintenance and health 
In early 2023, we plan to release the new Maintenance Module. This solution centralizes all of your fleet maintenance schedules and operations (across all equipment &#8211; tractors, trucks, ATVs, etc.) within the Fieldin app, automatically tracking engine runtime alongside manufacturers’ recommended service schedules. With the Maintenance Module, equipment managers can be more proactive in servicing machinery which helps minimize downtime and protect CapEx investments.
Autonomous solutions 
We will continue to roll out Auto-Spray retrofit kits over the coming year across a diverse set of crops and regions. As we collect more data, we will strategically partner with growers to scale implementations at a pace that makes sense for each operation. At the same time, we will increasingly work towards removing the dependency of operators in cabs so that operators gain more freedom to perform higher value activities.
Advanced data insights 
Data is only valuable when it’s translated into insights, and every grower has a unique set of needs when it comes to analytics and reporting. Over the coming year, we will be working on ways to make advanced business intelligence more available to growers.
Improved precision tooling 
With so many operations happening concurrently on the farm all the time, it’s difficult for supervisors to know whether activities are being carried out according to the instructions provided. One particular area of focus for us in precision farming tooling is rate controllers for spray operations, where we’re working on ways to provide more accurate planning, application, tracking, and reporting of materials used.
Fleet Operations Center for OEMs 
Over the past several months, we’ve been working alongside <a href="https://www.goflory.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Flory</a> in a pilot program to connect Fieldin smart sensors directly into the Controller Area Network Bus (CAN Bus), or the central brains of their tractor engines. By establishing a direct line of communication between the machine’s engine and Fieldin, we will be able to deliver more accurate and robust diagnostics for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), to remotely monitor, diagnose, and troubleshoot equipment issues.
<h4>Events Calendar</h4>
We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming 2023 events. Bookmark the <a href="http://api.fieldin.com/events/">Fieldin Events</a> page and be sure to stop by and say hello if we are in your area.

Predictions and trends for high value crops in 2023

How smart farming technology facilitates growing efficiency and reduces labor costs by helping farm managers improve productivity

Fieldin Joins Leading Harvest as Program Supporter - Fieldin

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Fieldin Joins Leading Harvest as Program Supporter

Predictions and trends for high value crops in 2023

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