Building the Future with Precision Ag Focus
By Trimble Team and Michelle Pelletier Marshall, Women in Agribusiness Media (July 25, 2023)
Crop specialist, independent crop consultant, nutrient management specialist, precision ag specialist, soil fertility specialist, and more. These are all titles that describe jobs in precision agriculture, which, according to Global Food Security, is “the application of modern information technologies to provide, process, and analyze multisource data of high spatial and temporal resolution for decision-making and operations in the management of crop production”, and no one knows that better than the specialists at Trimble Agriculture (“Trimble”).
Trimble, and its global network of resellers provides reliable, easy-to-use precision technology that seeks to solve the complex challenges faced by farmers around the world. Software solutions include a range of operational, record-keeping, and agronomic features to get the work done efficiently and cost-effectively through an in-depth understanding of modern agriculture.
It's no surprise that a sector moving towards rapid adoption of advanced technologies in farming to reduce labor costs, increase harvest and planting times, and encourage more efficient use of materials, has a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.9 percent expected through 2030, going from $8.5 million in 2022 to $15.6 million in 2030.
Additionally, these innovations and developments will help reach the global need to feed 10 billion people by 2050 with limited farmland.
WIA Today heard from a few precision ag specialists at Trimble to get a better view into what it’s like to work in that sector.
Severine Brisset Regional Sales Manager for Northwest Europe 12 years at Trimble
I grew up on an arable farm in Normandy, in western France, and have been passionate about agriculture since my early days. When I was young, I didn’t know I would end up working in precision agriculture, but I love it.
1). What is it like working in agriculture technology? What impact do you think you get to have?
Precision agriculture is key to the future of farming. I am personally interested in the challenges our farmers in Europe are, and will be, facing for productivity and revenue stream, natural resources availability constraints, and the environment. Farming needs to feed our world and precision agriculture can help farms adapt to all the changes happening in productivity, sustainability and more.
2). What advice would you give to other women who are interested in pursuing a career in agriculture or ag technology?
Difference is an opportunity, so learn and be confident in what you can do. There may be many roles that could fit your skills, so don’t be shy. There is an OPPORTUNITY for women in precision ag – I am a strong believer in that.
Taylor Szallar Product Manager for Connectivity Solutions 4 Years at Trimble
Even though I grew up mainly in Colorado, my family’s ranch is in northern Texas and is operated by my dad and grandpa. After studying agronomy, I got an internship at a co-op in Colorado, which was an amazing opportunity to get into the industry. I then ended up getting hired there full-time as an agronomist and seed salesperson.
I eventually became the precision ag manager. We offered precision ag services to farmers, and we were also a beta test site for Trimble. That's how I got to know so many internal Trimble folks. I eventually ended up here at Trimble full time, which was a fantastic move; I love working here. It's just crazy to see things come full circle from being the customer to working within the product team.
1). What should people know about working in precision agriculture?
Precision agriculture is very fast paced. The industry is changing quickly. Agriculture customers expect the same ease of use from their farm technology as they do from their consumer products. At Trimble, it's really my role to deliver these connected solutions that are as simple to use as the other apps on your phone.
Farmers wear so many hats. They are their own accountants, their own mechanics, their own laborers. They're not looking for software to do more work; they need tools that actually make their day easier. That’s why working in precision ag is so fun -- because it's innovative and always changing.
2). What advice would you give to other women who are interested in pursuing a career in agriculture or ag technology?
Work for an agronomy service company. Work for an equipment repair company. Work on a farm. Work for a chemical representative. There are so many opportunities to work on the ground with farmers. That's an experience that can’t be beat.
If you’re just coming out of school, I can't recommend internships enough. And, if you’ve already started your career, I really encourage you to consider cross-training or parallel roles that allow you to experience different parts of the business.
Don't let being a woman slow you down. Go after what you want.
Manda Patrick Commercial Director for North America 8 Years at Trimble
I grew up in a farming community in Michigan with a desire to get out of the small-town environment. I went to live in Nashville and work for RFD-TV, where I had the opportunity to share the stories of farmers and agriculture.
It wasn’t until I took a job with Universal Robotics, though, that my eyes were opened to the fascinating world of tech.
1). How would you describe your experience working in precision agriculture? How is this sector changing farming?
Precision agriculure technology is an exciting space to work in. Innovation is key, tying together technologies to help drive actionable decisions for farmers and their businesses. Plus, precision agriculture helps to feed the world in a very sustainable and proactive way.
2). What advice would you give to other women who are interested in pursuing a career in agriculture or ag technology?
Mentorship is huge. Connect with people – both within your company and outside of it – as well as inside and outside of agriculture. It can be scary, but sometimes you just have to start doing it (whatever “it” is for you!) – talk to people, apply for jobs, participate in ride-alongs, and find mentors. And don’t forget that the female perspective adds so much to the precision agriculture space.
Hear more from Trimble at the 2023 Women in Agribusiness Summit (September 26-28 in Nashville), where they will attend in force and participate as sponsors.
- Michelle Pelletier Marshall is contributing editor and author for HighQuest Partners’ GAI News and Unconventional Ag, and managing editor for its WIA Today blog. Additionally, she is the company’s Senior PR/Media Manager. She can be reached at marshall@highquestpartners.com.
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