In addition to the “Frank Comments” column that appears here and in the February 2016 issue of Conservation Tillage Guide, a number of the no-tillers who responded to the recent No-Till Farmer survey took the time to add personal comments that are summarized here.

“Stay Out Of My Fields”

Most surveyed growers believe their on-farm data belongs to them and should not be used by suppliers without permission and even reimbursement. When suppliers sell or share data with other firms, these no-tillers expect to be paid for this information.

Others believe firms such as Deere have no business obtaining farmer data without permission. Some feel allowing the big players in the ag market to have this data will lead to higher equipment and crop input prices for growers. And higher dividends being paid to stockholders as well.

Many of the responding no-tillers indicate that they are hesitant to share confidential information with any company. Several indicated that they would only share data after receiving a signed wavier from a company that explains how the data will be used.

Other growers are concerned with several legal agreements that appear to be part of the Deere purchase, Since the Precision Planting products were part of the offerings available over the past several years from the Climate Corporation, growers will now be able to utilize the services offered by the MyJohnDeere and ClimateFieldView programs. But at the same time, growers are concerned that the unauthorized use of their on-farm data will be available…