Exploiting AgTech connectivity to corner the grain market

Exploiting AgTech Connectivity to Corner the Grain Market

I live in the countryside and know quite a few farmers. The topic of connected farming systems often comes up at the local pub. Anyone who has watched Clarkson’s Farm understands how complicated modern tractor systems can be.

Farming Automation and Its Limits

Tractors spend much of their time on private farmland, offering potential for greater automation. However, the age of fully autonomous tractors is still in the future. My farming acquaintances point out that in the UK, farms are smaller and tractors perform many varied tasks, from plowing to hauling trailers across local areas. If British farms were as vast as those in other countries, robotic solutions might already dominate.

What Connected Farming Looks Like from the Cab

I’ve spent time inside the cabs of combine and forage harvesters. Their levels of autonomy and connectivity are impressive. Steering functions are controlled automatically, guided by laser or GPS systems. Once a field map is loaded—either by driving the perimeter manually or importing a detailed digital layout—the machine can perform most operations without direct intervention. Only end-of-row turning typically requires human action, though even that is already being automated on some models.

“Steering is automatic; laser and/or GPS guided. Once a field map is entered into the guidance system, the vehicle can do just about everything, other than turn at the end of each furrow.”

Author’s Summary

Connected farming technologies bring impressive automation to modern agriculture, but varied tasks and smaller British farm sizes still limit full tractor autonomy.

Pen Test Partners — 2025-11-07