Data on the farm is valuable, not just to the farmer but to other business entities. But who really owns and controls on-farm data coming in through smart devices?
Law Professor Bill Oemichen with UW-Madison’s Division of Extension says farm information is often sold to other firms. Some of these firms may end up competing with farmers for land.
Farms use smart devices for a variety of reasons: to determine exactly where a seed should be planted, how that seed is growing, weather information, fertilizer and moisture levels in the soil, and land value. The data is great for the farmer because it allows them to be precise with inputs. This saves money and helps a farm reach environmental goals. Unfortunately, some of that data gets sold to third parties that compete with farmers for the purchase of land.
For some companies, it’s a non-negotiable for the farm to share the data. Oemichen says other companies are striving for transparency. He recommends searching “Ag Data Transparent” — a group of for-profit ag businesses committing to principles in a farm’s best interest.
Find more resources: https://farms.extension.wisc.edu/
