Community data is a tool farmers can use to improve their
management decisions and agronomic practices, according to Terry
Griffin, precision farming economist with the University of
Arkansas, Division of Agriculture. While the concept, also
referred to as pooled data, has been around for more than a
decade, Griffin says it is now gaining traction and mainstream
use among farmers. He says when information is gathered from
multiple farms and analyzed—university Extension test plot data,
for instance--the resulting, compiled information is of more
value to the farmers who use it for decision-making purposes.
Likewise, he notes: “Information that a farmer keeps to himself
has finite benefits and only for that one farmer.” In the
following video, Griffin provides some insights on pooled data
as well as instruction on how to start gathering and using it.
For More Information