Summit to Shine Light on Big Data Debate
Farmer panelists and industry experts will
weigh the pros and cons of Big Data analytics and ownership at the 2015
Farm Futures Business Summit
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[November 19, 2014]
ST.
CHARLES, IL - Farm Futures, the leading U.S. ag business information
resource for farmers and producers, will feature a special session
focusing on the pros and cons of Big Data, one of the hottest topics
in agriculture. The Big Data debate is one of 21 sessions that will
take place during the 2015 Farm Futures Business Summit, to be held
Jan. 7-8 at the Hilton at the Ballpark Hotel in St. Louis.
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Big Data promises to help farmers on the profit side, but issues
of ownership and control continue to unfold.
"While companies have collected and analyzed agronomic data for some
time, the amount of real-time information we can collect now is
staggering," says Brian Marshall, a Missouri farmer who will speak
at the summit. "It is a big change that is cause for both excitement
and concern."
Several agricultural equipment firms have introduced technology
whereby the data from combines is uploaded every few seconds to the
Cloud. Real-time yield data is available to whoever controls those
databases. But more important, who owns and controls the data?
"A farmer’s information is valuable, so farmers should have a say in
and be compensated when their data is sold," says Marshall. "Farmers
need to protect their data and make sure they bargain wisely as they
share it with suppliers and interested companies."
Along with Marshall, the panel includes Mary Kay Thatcher, American
Farm Bureau Federation; Bruce Erickson, education distance and
outreach director, Purdue University; and Jim Krogmeier, Open Ag
Data Alliance.
Max Armstrong, co-host of the popular This Week in Agribusiness TV
program and Farm Progress America radio programs, will emcee the
debate.
Better risk managers The summit will also focus on risk
management in 2015. "We're gearing up to help farmers combat
difficult economic challenges by boosting their business and
marketing skills," says the magazine's Executive Editor, Mike
Wilson.
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Sessions will focus on global demand, marketing, estate
planning, employee management, business and landlord
relationships, crop budgeting, crop insurance choices, the new
farm bill, and future technology such as drones used for
agriculture.
The summit is held in early January so young people on college
break can attend.
"Whether you are a young farmer or a senior manager, this meeting is
all about getting better so you are prepared for tighter profit
margins in the year ahead," adds Wilson.
Early bird discount
Farm Futures' earlybird registration discount ends Dec. 1, 2014.
For agenda, registration and hotel booking links, go to
www.farmfutures.com/summit2015. If you prefer to register
by phone, call 1-800-441-1410. The Hilton offers summit attendees a
special rate. To book hotel by phone, call (314) 421-1776.
[Farm Futures News]
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