How Digital Twins Can Reduce Risks for Modern Agriculture
Jamie Fowler serves as the vice chair of intelligent automation and AI at alliantgroup, while Mike Johanns, former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, is the chairman of agriculture at the same firm. The views expressed here are those of the authors.
Traditionally, agriculture tends to adopt new technologies later than other sectors. However, the industry now has a chance to lead in a burgeoning technology that is gaining traction in supply chains: digital twins.
Digital twins are virtual models that allow users to simulate scenarios on a computer-generated version of their operations, providing valuable predictive insights. This technology allows products to undergo a “virtual” supply chain simulation from design to testing, enabling optimal refinement of the end product without incurring the costs associated with new physical production setups.
Mainstream industries like manufacturing regularly leverage digital twins to enhance production efficiency. Given the unpredictable nature and risks inherent in farming, agriculture stands to greatly benefit from this technology.
Moreover, the advantages extend beyond large agri-businesses; small family-owned farms can also reap significant benefits. For instance, farmers could experiment with various planting or nutrient management strategies on a digital replica of their land to assess potential outcomes under diverse real-world conditions.
Additionally, there is a compelling argument for using digital twins in planning for climate resilience. This farming season has presented challenges, including excessive rainfall and weather-related delays for American farmers. One USDA meteorologist indicated that numerous corn growers had to replant in late May and June and are now anxious about early frost threatening an unharvested crop. Navigating these shifting weather patterns requires farmers to adjust multiple factors such as field planning, irrigation, fertilization, and pest management.
By employing digital twins, farmers can transform their assessment of the interaction of these variables from high-risk estimates to informed, tested evaluations of the most favorable outcomes. This technology also enhances efficiency and reduces costs by guiding farmers in identifying the right mix of water, fertilizers, and pesticides tailored to their specific conditions.
Investing in Digital Twin Technology for Agriculture
Unfortunately, many farmers are deterred from advancing industry-transforming technologies due to the perceived high costs of implementation. Given the numerous factors affecting crop yields, expenses, and profitability, it’s understandable that investing in cutting-edge technology can feel overwhelming.
It is crucial to note that numerous federal incentives and resources exist to promote innovation, including technologies like digital twins—the Research & Development tax credit being a prime example.
Incentives like the Research & Development Tax Credit are crafted to promote transformative technologies. Much like Ford’s revolutionary moving assembly line, digital twin technology holds immense potential to positively impact agriculture.
A unique opportunity is available for the agricultural sector to proactively embrace technological advancements. With affordable and incentivized pathways to adopt innovations that address planting delays, adverse weather, and crop yield optimization, farmers are encouraged to take full advantage of digital twin technology.
Maria Sanchez completed her Bachelor’s degree in Plant Sciences from the University of California, Davis, in the USA. Her studies focused on plant genetics and biotechnology, with an emphasis on developing disease-resistant crop varieties. Maria has contributed to several research projects aimed at improving crop resilience to climate change and is now pursuing her Master’s degree in Plant Breeding.