Exploiting AgTech connectivity to corner the grain market

Exploiting AgTech Connectivity to Corner the Grain Market

Introduction

Living in the countryside, I have come to know several farmers, and conversations about connected farming systems often arise in the local pub. For those familiar with Clarkson’s Farm, the complexity of modern tractor systems becomes clear.

The Current State of Tractors

Tractors spend much of their time in private fields, presenting a significant chance for autonomy. However, according to my farmer friends, the era of robot tractors is still distant. In the UK, tractors serve many different tasks across relatively small fields, often hauling trailers locally. Large, expansive fields would make robot tractors more feasible.

Connected Farming from the Cab

I have experienced time in the cabs of combine and forage harvesters, where autonomy and connectivity are advanced. Steering is automatic, guided by laser and GPS. After inputting a field map by either driving the perimeter or uploading a high-precision map, the vehicle can perform nearly every task except turning at the end of the furrow—although some machines are starting to manage this too.

"Steering is automatic; laser and/or GPS guided. Once a field map is entered into the guidance system, the vehicle can do just about everything, other than turn at the end of each furrow, though some can already do this."

Despite technological progress, the diversity of jobs tractors perform and small field sizes limit full autonomy in the UK farming context.

Summary: The evolution of connected farming technology shows promise, but diverse tasks and small field sizes in the UK delay widespread robot tractor adoption.

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Pen Test Partners — 2025-11-07