Precision Ag Explained: Why People Plus Technology Equals Informed Decisions

Precision agriculture equipment and technology adoption, and more importantly, the benefits of adopting these tools, don’t happen overnight. Instead, they happen year over year. Farmers and RDO Equipment Co. product specialists understand that data sets plus real-world experience can help all of us to make better decisions. Precision agriculture, or the practice of using technology to collect detailed information about different parts of a field to make precise management decisions, can be slowly integrated each season by following these steps:

• Collect: Sensors and equipment gather data on soil, crop health and machine performance. 
• Analyze: That data is visualized through John Deere’s G5Plus Display or Operations Center. 
• Act: Farmers adjust rates, routes or strategies based on real-time insights. 

With each season, farmers build a deeper understanding of their land and how to manage it more effectively. At RDO, our precision ag specialists work alongside growers to: 

• Reduce input costs by applying only what’s needed, where it’s needed. 
• Increase yields by identifying and responding to field variability. 
• Improve sustainability by minimizing waste and environmental impact. 
• Make real-time decisions that improve efficiency and profitability. 

With rising input costs, unpredictable weather and increasing demand for sustainable practices, farmers need tools to help make smarter, faster decisions. That’s where precision agriculture comes in. 

At its core, precision agriculture is not just about data but about using data to act. At RDO, we believe that the most powerful precision agriculture systems are powered by people: farmers, equipment specialists and field technicians working together to make every acre count. 

Review John Deere’s Connected Tractor Solutions 

Three key technologies help farmers collect, analyze and act on data in real time: 

1. G5Plus Display

Think of the G5Plus Display as the in-cab command center. It provides a fast, clear and customizable view of your operation. Whether you’re planting, spraying, or harvesting, the G5Plus helps you make confident decisions on the go. With improved processing power and intuitive navigation, it’s designed to keep up with the pace of modern farming. 

2. StarFire™ Receiver

Precision starts with positioning. The StarFire™ Receiver delivers sub-inch GPS accuracy, which means straighter rows, fewer overlaps, and better input efficiency. Whether you’re seeding or spraying, this level of precision translates into real savings and better crop performance. 

3. JDLink™ Modem

Connectivity is the backbone of precision ag. The JDLink™ Modem sends machine data to the John Deere Operations Center™, a powerful Farm Management Software (FMS) platform. From the cab or the kitchen table, farmers can monitor performance, share data with advisors and make informed decisions — all in real time. 

Watch the story of Barkley Co., a fourth-generation farm that partnered with RDO to implement variable rate seeding. In just one season, they cut input costs by 12% and increased yield by 9%. That’s the power of people-powered precision. 

How to Connect Your Tractors 

Farmers can connect multiple tractors operating in different field conditions using Modular Telematics Gateways (MTG). An MTG connects the tractor to a web-based Farm Management Software (FMS) account. Many tractors of different makes and models can connect to an effective FMS like John Deere Operations Center™. Here are general steps to get started on the Operations Center with your connected tractor:

1. Download the John Deere Operations Center mobile app or access it via the website.
2. Create an account or log in if you already have one.
3. Navigate to the “My Equipment” section.
4. Select “Add Equipment.”
5. Enter the tractor’s serial number and confirm the model.
6. Activate the JDLink connectivity service to connect the MTG to the internet. This may require a subscription.
7. Sync your tractor with the Operations Center to monitor and manage your equipment data.

From selecting the right tools to training your team, we’re committed to helping you make informed decisions that drive results. Ready to get started? Contact your local RDO Equipment Co. store or fill out this form to request more information.