Insight FS using new tech to boost farm efficiency

Insight FS is creating new digital tools for farmers to improve their management systems

With pressures increasing every day on farms across the Midwest to become more efficient and sustainable, Insight FS is creating new digital tools for farmer customers across Wisconsin and Northern Michigan to improve their management systems.

AgValidity is a collaboration between Insight FS, GROWMARK, and technology companies. In this program, new and cutting-edge agronomic tools are evaluated through on-farm testing, helping farmers use data to be more efficient and more profitable.

The MiField program relies on applied research to deliver analytics from individual fields. The data is used to develop management plans focused on minimizing environmental impact, optimizing nutrient utilization, and maximizing harvest yield.

Precision Ag Acres and FS AIS. Approximately 14 million acres use some precision ag tool. Nine million acres are enrolled in FS AIS, a tool to help farmers specifically address challenges of providing optimum fertility on the diverse soils throughout our market area.

Ben Huber, Insight FS Agronomy Department Manager, says helping farmers become more efficient and profitable, all while increasing environmental sustainability, is especially critical in a state like Wisconsin where urbanization and agriculture often cross paths.

“The more efficient we can make ourselves and our customers the better,” says Huber. “Whether it’s aerial imaging, nutrient stewardship technologies, or other innovative practices, our priorities within the Agvalidity and MiField programs are to mitigate risk for our customers. We vet these products and practices and partner with our customers to learn what works and what doesn’t before attempting to scale these things to the whole field or farm level. There is so much new technology in the marketplace

it can be hard for farmers to separate what can generate real ROI from what’s just another cost. We can test the best of this technology out on a broad basis and help identify the advantages and challenges. That way farmers aren’t losing a whole season by testing something that may not provide them the best solution.”

About Insight FS:

With 22 locations throughout Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Insight FS provides feed, agronomy, precision equipment, propane, fuels and lubricants, agri-finance, seed and turf products and grain marketing to customers throughout the region. Insight FS is part of the GROWMARK System. GROWMARK is an agricultural cooperative with annual sales of $8.7 billion (FY 2019 data) providing agronomy, energy, facility planning, and logistics products and services, as well as grain marketing and risk management services throughout North America. Headquartered in Bloomington, Illinois, GROWMARK owns the FS trademark, which is used by affiliated member cooperatives. More information is available at insightfs.com.