Exploiting AgTech connectivity to corner the grain market | Pen Test Partners

Introduction to Connected Farming Systems

Living in the countryside, I know many farmers, and connected farming systems often come up in local pub conversations. For those familiar with Clarkson’s Farm, the complexity of some tractor systems is clear.

The Role and Challenges of Tractors

Tractors spend much of their time in private fields, presenting a significant chance for autonomy. However, the arrival of fully robotized tractors is still distant. In the UK, tractors serve various purposes across relatively small fields, often hauling trailers locally. If fields were vast, robotic tractors might be more viable.

Experience Inside Modern Farming Machinery

Time spent in combine and forage harvester cabs reveals substantial autonomy and connectivity. Steering is automatically controlled using laser or GPS guidance. With a field map entered—either by driving the perimeter or uploading a precise map—the vehicle can operate almost completely on its own, except turning at the end of each row, although some machines can already perform this task.

"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."

Author’s summary: Connected farming technology offers significant autonomy, though its full potential depends on field size and task complexity, highlighting ongoing challenges in agricultural automation.

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Pen Test Partners Pen Test Partners — 2025-11-07

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