Ohio is undergoing significant transformations driven by technological advancements, sustainability concerns, and changing consumer preferences. Small businesses and farms are at the forefront of these changes, leveraging innovative solutions to enhance productivity and sustainability.
One of the innovative solutions is the rise of smart farming and precision agriculture. These methods use advanced technologies like IoT sensors and GPS technology to optimize every aspect of production. For example, IoT devices can monitor soil moisture levels, temperature, and nutrient content, helping farmers make informed decisions about irrigation and fertilization. This precision reduces waste and maximizes productivity, contributing to more sustainable farming practices.
Smart farming and precision agriculture are innovative approaches that leverage advanced technologies to optimize agricultural practices. Here is a detailed explanation:
Smart Farming and Precision Agriculture
Smart Farming: Smart farming encompasses a broad range of technologies aimed at improving various aspects of agriculture, including crop management, livestock monitoring, supply chain optimization, and environmental impact assessments. It integrates IoT devices, sensors, drones, and AI to collect and analyze data, enabling farmers to make informed decisions and enhance productivity.
Precision Agriculture: Precision agriculture, also known as precision farming, focuses on making farming practices more accurate and controlled. It involves the use of information technology, automated hardware and software, autonomous vehicles, drones, GPS guidance, robotics, sensors, soil sampling, and telematics. The goal is to optimize inputs like fertilizers and water, reduce waste, and increase crop yields.
Where Are These Tactics Being Used?
These tactics are being used globally, with significant adoption in regions like North America, Europe, and Asia. Countries like the United States, Canada, Germany, and South Korea are leading the way in implementing smart farming and precision agriculture technologies. These methods are particularly beneficial in areas with large-scale farming operations and regions facing environmental challenges.
Key People Moving These Trends Forward
Several key individuals and organizations are driving the advancement of smart farming and precision agriculture:

• John Deere: Known for introducing GPS guidance for tractors in the early 1990s, John Deere has been a pioneer in precision agriculture.

• DTN Team: The DTN Team provides comprehensive solutions for precision agriculture, including meteorological expertise and agronomic modeling.

• E. M. B. M. Karunathilake, Anh Tuan Le, Seong Heo, Yong Suk Chung, and Sheikh Mansoor: Researchers who have contributed to the development and implementation of smart farming technologies.

These individuals and organizations are at the forefront of transforming the agro business industry through innovative technologies and practices.
 
Another important trend is the increasing use of agricultural production software and automated systems. These tools help farmers improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact. For instance, cloud-based solutions tailored for small and medium-sized businesses enable farmers to manage their operations more effectively and make data-driven decisions.
However, the agricultural business industry also faces significant challenges. Climate change is a major concern, affecting crop yields and food security. Regions like Sub-Saharan Africa and North Africa are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, such as dwindling yields and water scarcity. Additionally, the industry must address sustainability pressures, as the global food system is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.
Despite these challenges, small businesses and farms are finding ways to adapt and thrive. By embracing technology and sustainable practices, they are not only improving their productivity but also contributing to a more resilient and sustainable agricultural business industry.
The Ohio-based leaders in smart farming: Small businesses and farms are at the forefront of these changes, leveraging innovative solutions to enhance productivity and sustainability.
Ohio Smart Agriculture

• Ohio Smart Agriculture: This initiative is part of the Solutions from the Land Network, which aims to deliver diverse, land-based solutions to Ohio’s 21st-century challenges. They focus on empowering the diversity of Ohio agriculture and have identified several launching pad initiatives to support sustainable production.

Square Roots

• Square Roots: Square Roots is a technology leader in indoor farming. (“Indoor farming company Square Roots rebrands - Produce Processing”) They have partnered with Gordon Food Service to open a new climate-controlled, indoor farm in Springfield, Ohio. This initiative aims to further expand smart farming practices in the Midwest.

Square Roots is a technology leader in indoor farming. They have partnered with Gordon Food Service to open a new climate-controlled, indoor farm in Springfield, Ohio. This initiative aims to further expand smart farming practices in the Midwest.
Key People at Square Roots Indoor Farm

• Tobias Peggs: Co-founder and CEO of Square Roots.

• Kimbal Musk: Co-founder and Chair of Square Roots.

• Rich Wolowski: CEO of Gordon Food Service.

Indoor Farming in Other Areas of Ohio
Square Roots has expanded its indoor farming operations in Ohio. In addition to the Springfield farm, they are making locally grown food available all year to new consumers across Ohio, including the Cincinnati, Columbus, and Dayton metropolitan areas. The Springfield farm is the second new farm that Square Roots opened in 2022.
Square Roots grows several types of herbs and greens at their indoor farm in Springfield, Ohio. These include:

• Basil

• Dill

• Cilantro

• Microgreens

• Lettuce

The farm operates year-round and can produce about 2 tons of products each week through both horizontal and vertical operations. This ensures a consistent supply of fresh produce regardless of the weather conditions outside.

Ohio State University’s Initiative for Food and Agricultural Transformation (InFACT)

• Ohio State University’s Initiative for Food and Agricultural Transformation (InFACT): This initiative, supported by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, brings together a diverse coalition of agricultural, environmental, and food security leaders to build a 21st-century sustainability plan for Ohio agriculture.

In addition to their partnership with Ohio State University’s Initiative for Food and Agricultural Transformation (InFACT), the W.K. Kellogg Foundation supports another initiative that brings together a diverse coalition of agricultural, environmental, and food security leaders to build a 21st-century sustainability plan for Ohio agriculture.
Also, the Kellogg Foundation funds a variety of projects across different focus areas. Here are some examples:

1. Early Childhood Education: The foundation supports initiatives that promote early childhood education, ensuring that children have access to quality education from an early age.

2. Family Engagement: Projects that strengthen family engagement and support families in vulnerable communities are a key focus.

3. Community Development: The foundation invests in community development projects that aim to create equitable and sustainable communities.

4. Food Security and Sustainability: The Kellogg Foundation funds initiatives that address food security and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

You can explore more specific projects funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation by visiting their [awarded grants database] (https://www.wkkf.org/awarded-grants/).
 

• : [Awarded Grants - W.K. Kellogg Foundation] (https://www.wkkf.org/awarded-grants/): [A Complete Guide to Applying for Funds from the Kellogg Foundation] (https://www2.fundsforngos.org/articles-searching-grants-and-donors/a-complete-guide-to-applying-for-funds-from-the-kellogg-foundation/)

These organizations and initiatives are driving the advancement of smart farming in Ohio, contributing to a more sustainable and productive agricultural industry.
 
Current Agricultural Business Industry: Focus on Small Businesses and Farms
The agro business industry is evolving with technological advancements, sustainability concerns, and changing consumer preferences. Small businesses and farms are leading this transformation by adopting innovative solutions to enhance productivity and sustainability.
Key Trends:

• Smart Farming and Precision Agriculture: Utilizing IoT sensors and GPS technology to optimize production, reduce waste, and maximize productivity.

• Agricultural Production Software: Cloud-based solutions help small and medium-sized businesses manage operations efficiently and make data-driven decisions.

Challenges:

• Climate Change: Affects crop yields and food security, particularly in vulnerable regions like Sub-Saharan Africa and North Africa.

• Sustainability Pressures: The global food system significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.

Adaptation and Resilience:

• Small businesses and farms are embracing technology and sustainable practices to improve productivity and contribute to a more resilient agricultural business industry.