Top Livestock & Dairy Management Companies in Europe

Wednesday, January 21, 2026

Fremont, CA: The global challenge of feeding a rapidly growing population while minimizing environmental impact is driving a revolution in agriculture. Central to this shift is precision agriculture, which uses advanced technology to optimize resource management. A key application in this domain is integrating Machine Learning (ML) software to enhance the analysis of soil micronutrients, leading to more sustainable practices and higher crop yields. The Power of Machine Learning in Soil Analysis ML is revolutionizing soil science by enabling the efficient processing of vast and complex datasets, thereby overcoming the limitations of traditional analytical methods. Using advanced algorithms, ML can detect intricate patterns, correlations, and trends in soil data that often go unnoticed by human analysts. One of the most impactful applications of ML in soil science is predictive modeling of nutrient levels. Models such as Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machines (SVM), and Neural Networks (NN) are trained on extensive datasets comprising historical soil test results, Internet of Things (IoT) and remote sensing data, and environmental variables such as weather and topography. This enables accurate prediction of macro- and micronutrient concentrations across entire agricultural fields, including unsampled areas. Another critical advancement is digital soil mapping, which integrates information from diverse sources—such as drone imagery, satellite data, and in-field sensors—to generate high-resolution maps of soil properties. These digital maps provide detailed spatial insights, allowing farmers to pinpoint zones of nutrient deficiency or excess with precision. Real-time soil analysis has become feasible through ML-driven mobile systems that utilize data from low-cost, on-the-spot sensors, including colorimetric paper sensors. This innovation significantly shortens analysis time from days to mere minutes, empowering farmers to make immediate and informed soil management decisions. Optimizing Crop Yields and Sustainability The enhanced accuracy and speed of ML-driven soil analysis translate into significant advancements in crop productivity and sustainable agricultural practices. ML-based tools offer precise, site-specific recommendations for fertilizer application, replacing conventional blanket approaches with data-driven precision. By identifying nutrient deficiencies at the micro level, such as zinc sulfate shortages, these systems enable farmers to apply the exact amount of required micronutrients only where needed. This targeted fertilization not only ensures optimal nutrient uptake for higher crop yields and improved quality but also reduces wastage and enhances soil health. Optimizing fertilizer use leads to significant cost savings while mitigating environmental harm by reducing nutrient runoff into water bodies—a primary contributor to pollution and eutrophication. ML-driven soil analytics also extend beyond nutrient management by informing critical agricultural decisions. These systems can recommend suitable crop varieties for specific soil profiles, suggest efficient irrigation schedules, and propose crop rotation strategies, thereby fostering long-term sustainability and responsible land use. The integration of ML software in soil micronutrient analysis is a transformative step toward sustainable agriculture. While challenges remain in data collection standardization and model generalization across diverse regional soils, the demonstrated high accuracy and efficiency of these systems promise a future where farming is not only more productive but also more environmentally responsible. As sensor technology advances and datasets grow, ML will continue to unlock new insights into the complex dynamics of soil health, ensuring optimal crop yields for a food-secure world.

Wednesday, January 21, 2026

Among the critical infrastructures that underpin modern civilization, soil stands out as both indispensable and widely overlooked—the living foundation of agriculture and the source of human sustenance. Yet, a short-term focus on immediate productivity has long reduced soil to a mere medium for extraction rather than a vital asset to be nurtured. This approach has triggered a quiet but serious crisis of degradation, undermining the land’s natural capacity to sustain life. Securing a resilient agricultural future demands a fundamental shift in perspective: moving beyond viewing soil health as a routine expense and recognizing soil management and amendments as a long-term investment in essential infrastructure. From Consumable Inputs to Capital Investment Traditionally, agriculture has treated soil amendments as short-term consumables—fertilizers to feed a single crop and lime to adjust pH for a single season. This approach is tactical and reactive, akin to constantly patching a deteriorating road rather than rebuilding it with durable materials. It addresses immediate needs but fails to enhance the underlying structural integrity of the system. Viewing soil amendments as infrastructure transforms this perspective entirely. Infrastructure is a capital investment designed for longevity, performance, and resilience. A well-built bridge doesn't just serve the car that crosses it today; it provides reliable passage for decades, withstanding storms and increased traffic. Similarly, a strategic program of soil amendment isn't about feeding one crop; it's about re-engineering the soil itself to create a robust, self-regulating, and productive ecosystem for the long term. This living infrastructure becomes a permanent asset, increasing the farm's capacity to buffer against shocks, reduce external dependencies, and generate consistent value over time. The Architectural Pillars of Soil Infrastructure Building soil as a living infrastructure requires a holistic approach rooted in three interconnected pillars: the physical framework, the biological workforce, and the nutritional reservoir. Each of these pillars depends on specific amendments that, when combined, transform degraded soil into a resilient, high-performance system capable of sustaining agriculture and ecosystems over the long term. The physical framework forms the engineered architecture of soil, shaping its ability to hold water, exchange air, and support roots. Amendments such as high-quality compost and biochar bind soil particles into durable aggregates, creating a sponge-like structure with both macropores and micropores. This stable foundation enhances water infiltration, aeration, and root penetration, turning the soil’s physical capacity into a deliberately designed feature rather than a fragile accident of nature. In parallel, the biological workforce—the soil microbiome of fungi, bacteria, protozoa, and nematodes—acts as both the maintenance crew and the engine of nutrient cycling. Fueled by organic amendments like compost, manure, and cover crop residues, these organisms extend root systems, fix nitrogen, decompose matter, and suppress disease, creating a self-sustaining subterranean metropolis. The nutritional reservoir ensures long-term fertility by storing nutrients in stable, slow-release forms. Unlike conventional, highly soluble fertilizers that often leach away, inputs like ground rock minerals, bone meal, and gypsum become part of the soil’s capital stock. Their nutrients are gradually unlocked through microbial activity and root-driven weathering, creating a buffered, synchronized system of nutrient release. Together, these three pillars establish soil not just as a medium for crops but as a deliberately constructed living infrastructure—engineered, inhabited, and provisioned for resilience across generations. The Engineered Benefits of Resilient Soil When the physical, biological, and chemical pillars of soil are developed in unison, they form a resilient infrastructure that strengthens agricultural systems against both environmental and economic uncertainty. Instead of reacting to crises with short-term fixes, this approach builds lasting stability into the very foundation of the farm, transforming soil into a strategic asset rather than a liability. One of the most immediate benefits is drought resistance. Enhanced porosity and elevated organic matter dramatically increase the soil’s water-holding capacity, effectively turning fields into natural reservoirs. For perspective, each one percent increase in soil organic matter enables an acre to store tens of thousands of additional gallons of water. This reserve sustains crops through dry spells, reducing dependence on costly irrigation and buffering yields against climate-driven volatility. Equally important, this same soil architecture mitigates the risks of flooding. The sponge-like structure allows heavy rainfall to infiltrate instead of running off, replenishing groundwater while minimizing erosion. By preventing nutrient and sediment loss, it also reduces downstream flooding and pollution. In essence, soil infrastructure functions as both a shield and a reservoir—absorbing extremes on either end of the water cycle and creating resilience that ripples across the entire agricultural operation. This system fosters economic resilience. By building a self-sufficient nutrient cycling engine powered by a robust microbiome, farms can significantly reduce their dependence on costly and price-volatile synthetic inputs. The soil itself becomes the primary engine of fertility, turning a significant operational cost into a built-in, regenerative asset. Healthy plants grown in this system are also naturally more robust, with stronger immune responses to pests and diseases, further reducing the need for external interventions. Ultimately, re-conceptualizing soil amendments as the foundational elements of essential infrastructure represents a compelling call to action. It advocates for a transition from ephemeral solutions to a sustained strategy of capital investment in the most invaluable agricultural resource. Through the deliberate and systematic reconstitution of the soil's physical architecture, biological vigor, and nutritional reserves, the effort moves beyond mere amelioration—constructing an enduring, robust, and prolific foundation for the future of food and agriculture.

Wednesday, January 21, 2026

Fremont, CA: Agronomic services play a vital role in modern agriculture by equipping farmers with the knowledge, tools, and support needed to improve productivity, profitability, and sustainability. Agronomists conduct soil testing and analysis to evaluate nutrient levels, pH balance, and organic matter content. Based on these insights, they recommend appropriate soil amendments, fertilizers, and crop rotation strategies to improve soil health and fertility. Furthermore, agronomic services address challenges such as soil erosion, compaction, and salinity, helping farmers maintain resilient, sustainable land and ensuring the long-term success of their agricultural operations. Another crucial aspect of agronomic services is crop selection and management. With thousands of crop varieties available, farmers often face challenges in choosing the right crops for their specific climatic, soil, and market conditions. Agronomists guide the selection of high-yielding, disease-resistant, and climate-resilient crop varieties suited to local environments. They offer expertise in planting techniques, irrigation schedules, and harvesting practices to maximize yields. By integrating scientific knowledge with practical solutions, agronomic services enable farmers to make informed decisions that enhance productivity and profitability.  Pest and disease management is a growing concern for farmers, as pests and pathogens can cause significant crop losses. Agronomic services help address this challenge by offering integrated pest management (IPM) strategies that combine biological, cultural, and chemical controls. Agronomists identify specific pests and diseases, recommend effective treatments, and advise on preventive measures to minimize damage. Efficient water management is another area where agronomic services have a significant impact. With water scarcity affecting agriculture in many regions, optimizing irrigation practices is essential for sustaining crop production. Agronomic services contribute to environmental sustainability by promoting practices that reduce the ecological footprint of farming. Precision agriculture, a key component of modern agronomy, uses technology such as GPS mapping, remote sensing, and data analytics to apply inputs like water, fertilizers, and pesticides efficiently. It minimizes overuse, prevents pollution, and enhances resource conservation. Agronomists also encourage sustainable practices like organic farming, agroforestry, and cover cropping, which improve soil health, enhance biodiversity, and sequester carbon, contributing to climate change mitigation.  Agronomic services are vital for capacity building and knowledge transfer among farmers. Agronomists equip farmers with the skills and information needed to adopt innovative techniques and technologies by conducting training programs, workshops, and on-field demonstrations. The empowerment fosters a culture of continuous improvement and resilience, enabling farming communities to adapt to evolving challenges. In regions where smallholder farmers form the backbone of agriculture, these services are instrumental in bridging the gap between traditional practices and modern agricultural advancements.  Agronomic services support economic development and food security at both local and global levels. The services enhance the income of farming households and ensure a stable food supply. It is critical in developing countries, where agriculture remains a primary source of livelihood and sustenance.

Wednesday, January 21, 2026

Latin America, rich in agricultural resources, is increasingly tapping into the potential of converting agricultural waste into renewable energy. This growing sector is fueled by rising energy demands, the need for sustainable waste management, and efforts to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The vast quantity of agricultural residues produced annually offers a major opportunity for bioenergy development, supporting both environmental sustainability and economic growth. With added benefits such as job creation and revenue generation, these projects are becoming highly appealing to investors and policymakers alike. The agricultural landscape in Latin America is diverse, encompassing vast plantations of sugarcane, corn, rice, and other staple crops, alongside extensive livestock operations. Each of these activities yields substantial quantities of waste biomass. Sugarcane bagasse, a fibrous residue left after juice extraction, is a particularly prominent feedstock in countries like Brazil, which is a global leader in sugarcane production. Similarly, residues from corn stalks, rice husks, coffee pulp, and animal manure contribute significantly to the agricultural waste stream. Conventionally, much of this waste has been either left to decompose, burned in open fields, or poorly managed in landfills, leading to environmental concerns such as greenhouse gas emissions and water pollution. However, a transformative shift is underway as the region embraces technologies to convert these liabilities into valuable energy assets. Biochemical and Thermochemical Technologies in Bioenergy The conversion of agricultural waste into renewable energy in Latin America primarily employs various thermochemical and biochemical technologies. Among these, anaerobic digestion stands out as a widely adopted biochemical process. This technology involves the decomposition of organic matter by microorganisms in the absence of oxygen, producing biogas rich in methane. Biogas can then be used directly for heat and electricity generation, or upgraded to biomethane for vehicle fuel or injection into natural gas grids. The versatility of anaerobic digestion makes it suitable for various agricultural wastes, including animal manure, crop residues, and agro-industrial byproducts. The digestate, a nutrient-rich byproduct of anaerobic digestion, can also be utilized as a biofertilizer, closing the loop in a circular economy approach. Advances in Thermochemical Conversion Methods Thermochemical conversion methods also play a crucial role. Direct combustion, while a simpler technology, involves burning agricultural waste to produce heat and steam, which can then drive turbines for electricity generation. This is particularly prevalent in the sugar industry, where bagasse is often co-fired or combusted in dedicated boilers to power sugar mills and supply surplus electricity to the national grid. Gasification is another promising thermochemical process that converts biomass into a combustible gas mixture known as syngas, which can be used to generate electricity or produce biofuels. Conversely, pyrolysis involves heating biomass without oxygen to produce bio-oil, biochar, and syngas, offering a diverse range of energy products. These technologies are increasingly being explored and implemented to extract maximum energy value from agricultural residues. Policy Support and Future Perspectives The scale of bioenergy potential from agricultural waste in Latin America is substantial. Projections indicate that agricultural biomass could account for a significant portion of the region's overall bioenergy potential. While hydropower remains a dominant renewable energy source, bioenergy from agrarian waste is steadily gaining ground, contributing to the energy mix and enhanced energy security. The abundance of feedstock, coupled with advancements in conversion technologies, positions the region for continued growth in this sector. Beyond the technological advancements, the industry's growth is supported by evolving policy frameworks and a growing awareness of sustainability. Governments across Latin America are implementing measures to promote renewable energy and improve waste management practices. These initiatives, which include incentives for bioenergy projects, targets for renewable energy penetration, and regulations aimed at reducing agricultural waste disposal in landfills, provide a reassuring backdrop for the industry's development and expansion. Furthermore, integrating digital technologies and smart waste management solutions is an emerging trend within the industry. Data analytics and real-time monitoring are being utilized to optimize waste collection, transport, and processing, enhancing bioenergy projects' efficiency and economic viability. The focus is not just on converting waste to energy, but also on creating value chains that minimize resource loss and maximize sustainable outcomes. This includes efforts to improve feedstock quality through better sorting and pre-treatment, which enhances conversion technologies' performance. The ongoing development in agricultural waste-to-energy solutions in Latin America points towards a future where waste is increasingly viewed as a valuable resource. The continuous innovation in processing technologies, coupled with supportive policy environments and a growing emphasis on circular economy principles, is driving the transformation of agricultural residues into a significant and sustainable energy source for the region. This trajectory not only bolsters energy independence and contributes to a more sustainable and resilient energy landscape across Latin America but also holds the promise of creating green jobs, thereby enhancing the industry's social impact.

Wednesday, January 21, 2026

Modern agriculture is moving away from heavy dependence on synthetic inputs toward a science-based approach to soil management. At the core of this transition are soil amendments—materials applied to improve the soil’s physical structure, chemical balance, and biological activity. Unlike conventional fertilizers that focus on short-term nutrient supply, soil amendments promote sustained soil health over time. By improving overall soil conditions, these solutions enable crops to express their full genetic potential, leading to increased yields and enhanced nutritional quality. The Bio-Chemical Architecture: CEC and pH Dynamics The chemical interactions between soil particles and plant roots fundamentally determine nutrient availability. Modern soil amendments are specifically engineered to optimize the Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), defined as the soil's ability to retain and release positively charged ions (cations). Essential nutrients, including calcium, magnesium, and potassium, are present in the soil primarily as cations. The incorporation of soil amendments such as high-quality compost, humic acids, or biochar increases the density of negatively charged sites on soil colloids. This process establishes a nutrient reservoir that minimizes the leaching of essential minerals during irrigation or rainfall. The capacity for nutrient retention is typically measured in centimoles of charge per kilogram. By increasing the CEC, these amendments provide a consistent, slow-release supply of nutrients, thereby reducing application frequency and enhancing nutrient uptake efficiency. Advancements in pH modulation have enabled precise control over soil acidity and alkalinity, which directly influence nutrient solubility. In acidic soils, phosphorus ($P$) frequently becomes immobilized in insoluble forms, rendering it unavailable to plants. The application of advanced liming agents and mineral conditioners stabilizes soil pH within the optimal range of 6.0 to 7.0, maximizing the bioavailability of both macro- and micronutrients. Maintaining this chemical balance is critical for the synthesis of complex proteins and vitamins in crops, ultimately affecting the quality and shelf life of agricultural produce. The Biological Engine: Rhizosphere Inoculants and Microbial Synergies A significant advancement in contemporary soil science is the shift from perceiving soil as an inert substrate to understanding it as a dynamic, living ecosystem. The rhizosphere, defined as the narrow zone of soil surrounding plant roots, functions as a center of intense biological and biochemical activity. Recent soil technologies increasingly target this interface by developing advanced microbial inoculants that establish and maintain beneficial microbial populations in proximity to plant roots. These innovations are grounded in the recognition that the interaction between plants and soil microorganisms is the principal mechanism driving nutrient cycling. Microbial amendments not only supplement soils with nutrients but also promote self-regulating biological systems that continuously mobilize and recycle essential elements. This strategy increases nutrient availability more efficiently and sustainably than conventional inputs alone. A key mechanism employed in these systems is the use of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). These fungi form highly specialized symbiotic relationships with plant roots, creating extensive networks of microscopic hyphae that effectively increase the functional root surface area by several orders of magnitude. Through this biological extension, plants gain access to water and mineral nutrients located beyond the reach of their roots, particularly those stored in deeper soil layers. In addition to fungal associations, modern soil solutions incorporate plant growth–promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). These beneficial bacteria enhance plant development through several biochemical pathways, such as fixing atmospheric nitrogen into plant-available forms, solubilizing mineral-bound phosphorus through the secretion of organic acids, and producing siderophores that chelate iron to facilitate its uptake for processes like chlorophyll synthesis. Together, these biological interactions provide benefits that extend beyond increased yield. They stimulate the synthesis of secondary metabolites in plants, such as antioxidants, flavonoids, and essential oils. Consequently, crops grown in biologically enriched soil systems often demonstrate improved nutritional value, enhanced sensory attributes, and higher overall quality. Structural Integrity: Porosity and Water Retention Mechanisms The physical structure of soil, known as tilth, constitutes the third foundational pillar in soil science. Even with balanced soil chemistry and biology, inadequate soil structure can significantly limit crop performance. Excessive compaction restricts root penetration, whereas highly porous soils may not retain adequate moisture. Modern soil amendments are therefore designed to optimize pore-size distribution, supporting both root development and effective water management. Advanced organic amendments and mineral conditioners, such as perlite, zeolite, and gypsum, are essential for enhancing soil aggregation. Aggregation refers to the binding of individual soil particles, including sand, silt, and clay, into larger structural units called aggregates. Well-aggregated soils maintain a functional balance of pore spaces, which is crucial for healthy plant growth. Macropores, the larger voids within the soil matrix, facilitate rapid water infiltration and efficient gas exchange. These spaces ensure that plant roots receive sufficient oxygen for respiration and metabolic processes. In contrast, micropores are smaller spaces that retain water through capillary action, holding moisture against gravity. This retained water serves as a reliable source of hydration for plants during periods of limited rainfall or irrigation. Biochar, a carbon-rich amendment produced through pyrolysis, is among the most significant materials in contemporary soil science. Its highly porous microscopic structure provides an internal surface area often exceeding 300 square meters per gram. This architecture allows biochar to act as a “micro-sponge,” greatly enhancing the water-holding capacity of sandy soils. In clay-rich soils, amendments such as gypsum promote flocculation, a process in which calcium ions displace sodium ions on clay particle surfaces. This exchange causes clay particles to aggregate, improving soil structure and increasing pathways for air and water movement. Applying chemical, biological, and physical sciences through targeted soil amendments produces cumulative benefits. Enhanced soil structure supports deeper roots, balanced pH and high CEC provide abundant minerals, and an active microbial community ensures efficient mineral uptake by plants. This holistic approach transforms crop quality from a subjective concept into a measurable outcome. Crops grown in amended soils often show higher Brix levels, stronger cell walls, and greater concentrations of essential vitamins. For the industry, this reflects the peak of modern agronomy, where soil becomes a precision-engineered foundation for high-performance agriculture.

Wednesday, January 21, 2026

As agriculture advances into the era of Agri-Tech 4.0, data is emerging as a core asset alongside production. Modern security has evolved accordingly, with smart surveillance enabling a level of oversight that was once out of reach. Video monitoring has shifted from a passive tool for reviewing incidents to an active, intelligent component of daily operations. This change is transforming agribusiness by converting camera feeds into actionable data that optimize yields, support animal welfare, and improves labor management. The Connectivity Revolution: From Dead Zones to Digital Ecosystems The primary barrier to high-tech surveillance on farms and ranches has been the "last mile" problem, or more precisely, the "last thousand acres" problem. Traditional cabling is too costly to install across large pastures, and cellular signals are often unavailable in remote agricultural areas. Today, the industry is defined by broader access to connectivity. The rapid expansion of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite networks has transformed the feasibility of smart surveillance. Unlike geostationary satellites, which experience high latency, LEO networks offer low-latency, high-bandwidth connections suitable for real-time, high-definition video streaming. As a result, producers can now create "connected canopies" over even the most remote grazing areas. Advancements in Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN) technology and point-to-point wireless bridges also support this shift. These solutions enable a central farmhouse or barn to transmit signals over long distances to remote camera outposts. These outposts are now often fully autonomous and off-grid. The industry standard now favors "drop-and-deploy" units: durable, weather-resistant camera systems with high-efficiency solar panels and lithium-iron-phosphate battery storage. These self-sustaining units operate indefinitely without hardwired power, providing continuous visibility across critical infrastructure points such as water troughs, fuel tanks, calving barns, and access gates that were previously unmonitored. This infrastructure forms the foundation for modern smart farming applications, transforming the entire property into a unified digital ecosystem where data moves seamlessly from the field to the cloud. The Shift from Passive Recording to Proactive Alerting Connectivity serves as the eyes of the smart farm, while AI functions as the brain. The market is shifting from simple recording to real-time alerting. Previously, incidents required manual review of hours of footage. Now, systems use edge computing to process data locally on the camera, analyzing visual information in milliseconds and filtering out irrelevant activity. Computer vision algorithms can now reliably distinguish among animals, vehicles, authorized personnel, and intruders. This advancement significantly reduces false positives, which have historically caused unnecessary alerts. Modern systems use object classification to deliver specific, context-aware notifications to a producer’s smartphone. For example, the system can ignore farm vehicles during working hours but issue a high-priority alert if a vehicle enters the main gate at 2:00 AM. In addition to security, AI is transforming livestock management through behavioral analysis. Cameras equipped with machine-learning models monitor herds for subtle signs of distress or illness that may otherwise go unnoticed. In calving barns, these systems detect movement patterns linked to the onset of labor and alert ranchers only when intervention is needed. Algorithms also track feeding patterns in feedlots, identifying animals that are off-feed or lethargic, enabling early veterinary intervention and helping prevent disease spread. This proactive monitoring shifts the camera’s role from security to continuous veterinary support, improving both mortality rates and profitability. Operational Intelligence: Integrating Surveillance into Farm Management A key recent development in the industry is the integration of surveillance data into comprehensive farm management platforms. Smart cameras now serve as essential tools for operational decision-making, rather than functioning as isolated devices. This shift aims to optimize resource allocation and reduce the time spent on unproductive tasks, such as checking equipment or infrastructure. Biosecurity is critical for poultry and swine operations, and smart surveillance now serves as a digital gatekeeper. These systems log every vehicle entering a facility, using Automatic License Plate Recognition (ALPR) to verify visitors against authorized lists. This automated digital log supports regulatory compliance and insurance audits. In the event of a disease outbreak, visual data enables rapid traceback to identify potential contamination sources. Visual sensors are also used to monitor critical resources. Cameras on water tanks use pixel-based analysis to track water levels and alert managers to pump failures or empty troughs, which is especially important in arid regions. Thermal imaging cameras monitor haystacks and grain silos for heat buildup that could cause spontaneous combustion. Even labor management is being optimized through visual intelligence. Managers can review workflows in packing sheds or milking parlors to identify bottlenecks and enhance safety protocols. By using video as a data source for operational analytics, agri-businesses are realizing returns that go beyond theft prevention. These systems drive efficiency, allowing producers to manage large-scale operations and valuable assets with greater precision and long-term viability. Smart surveillance in agri-business is rapidly maturing and becoming integral to modern farming. This technology has evolved from a novelty to a core standard. By leveraging connectivity, advanced AI analytics, and operational integration, these systems enable farmers and ranchers to increase efficiency and productivity. As automation advances, the "smart eye" will play an increasingly vital role as the main link between on-farm activities and digital management systems.