Tomorrow's Farms: Service Model Shifts

Welcome to the latest issue of Trend Hacker - Future Stories, where we blend Future Research with the art of Storytelling. This time, we focus on the transformative realm of precision farming and new service models in two diverse settings: small-scale farming in Brazil and industrial agriculture in the Netherlands.

Join us as we traverse Jo?o’s fields in Mato Grosso do Sul, where tradition meets innovation, and explore Maarten’s high-tech greenhouses, harnessing cutting-edge technologies for sustainable farming. Their stories are a testament to the power of precision farming in reshaping agriculture across different landscapes and cultures.

Don’t forget to hit like, share your insights, and engage in the conversation with your thoughts. We’re eager to hear from you and look forward to your perspectives on these transformative agricultural narratives!

Jo?o – Campo Grande, Brazil – 2033

"Adopting these new technologies, like drones and GPS, isn't just a change in farming; it's a leap into a future that's still tethered to our past."

In 2033, Jo?o Carvalho, a dedicated third-generation farmer, finds himself at the crossroads of tradition and innovation. His world is the expansive farmlands of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, where each day is a dance between the old ways and the new realities of farming. Jo?o’s story isn’t just about embracing modernity; it’s a nuanced tale of balancing cutting-edge technologies with the deep-rooted values that have long defined his community.

As dawn breaks, Jo?o sets out on his ATV, traversing the fields that have been his family’s legacy. This daily ritual, a blend of the past and the present reflects the farm’s evolution. Here, wisdom handed down from his father, Roberto, and grandfather merges with the precision of advanced soil management techniques. Jo?o, with a keen eye, adjusts grid sizes for soil sampling. Every section of his land receives tailor-made care, a far cry from when intuition and experience were the sole guides.

Yet, integrating these advanced technologies has its challenges. The costs associated with state-of-the-art equipment like drones and fully automated machinery guided by GPS and the latest satellite images are a constant reminder of the financial hurdles that small-scale farmers like Jo?o face.

This reality steered him towards a partnership with AgriTech Solutions, an Agriculture as a Service (AaaS) provider. Their subscription-based model, offering equipment and analytical services, seemed a fitting answer, aligning with Jo?o’s tight budget, the constant technological change, and the belief in collaboration’s power.

However, the transition to this new way of farming was marked by significant conflict, more complex than Jo?o had anticipated. It was a pivotal moment, defined by an unforeseen weather anomaly. This sudden, unseasonal storm threw the entire farming schedule into disarray. This unexpected turn of events disrupted the delicate schedule for the shared use of equipment with his neighbor, Felipe, a situation neither of them had foreseen when they had agreed to the Agriculture as a Service model.

The conflict between Jo?o and Felipe rapidly escalated as they found themselves in a tense stand-off over the use of the vital machinery essential for both their harvests. The situation worsened, leading to a significant 20% loss in Jo?o’s harvest, a devastating blow to his yearly output and financial stability.

This loss was more than just a numerical figure; it represented a deep crack in the once-friendly relationship between the two families, who had always shared a bond of mutual respect and cooperation..

The path to resolving this conflict between Jo?o and Felipe unfolded through a series of community meetings spearheaded by AgriTech Solutions. In the local community hall, a forum of ideas, worries, and cooperative problem-solving took shape. Jo?o, Felipe, and other local farmers shared a common vision: to find a sustainable way forward amidst the challenges of the Agriculture as a Service model.??????????????????

At these meetings, the air was thick with tension and emotion. Farmers, including Jo?o and Felipe, shared their experiences, voicing the difficulties wrought by the new reliance on shared technology. For Jo?o and Felipe, this was a moment of vulnerability, exposing the complexities of their dependence on shared resources.

AgriTech Solutions, in their role as mediator, actively absorbed the feedback. They committed to refining their service model, splitting their serve-all algorithm into smaller, each adapted for regional variables. This new system would better predict and handle discrepancies like those that sparked Jo?o and Felipe’s conflict and the unique shared harvest schedules. Furthermore, recognizing the necessity for a backup plan, AgriTech Solutions vowed to look into providing additional equipment when unexpected demands arose. This proactive measure was well-received, addressing a primary concern among the farmers.

Jo?o’s resolve to embrace innovation and the new business logic never wavered through all these trials. He remained driven by the promise of precision agriculture to enhance crop yields and champion sustainable practices. Nonetheless, he was keenly aware of the financial implications of adopting and maintaining such advanced technologies.

Despite its initial setbacks, opting to continue with the Agriculture as a Service model was a calculated decision. He weighed the pros and cons, balancing the practicalities of his commitment against the substantial investments needed for personal ownership of such equipment.

As the day ends and shadows stretch across his fields, Jo?o takes a moment to reflect. His farm, where advanced technology meets age-old wisdom, epitomizes the evolving face of Brazilian agriculture. In this landscape of innovation and tradition, he recognizes not just his own story and adaptation but the new potential for all kinds of farmers across Brazil to navigate the delicate balance between the past and the future.

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Maarten Naaldwijk, The Netherlands – 2033

?"Managing this greenhouse is like conducting an orchestra of nature and technology, each element in perfect harmony to nurture growth."

In the heart of the Netherlands’ innovative greenhouse district, Maarten de Vries, a 38-year-old environmental consultant, navigates the vibrant, green aisles of one of the most advanced greenhouses in the world. It’s 2033, and Maarten is pivotal in an era where Dutch agriculture is not just about production but is a symphony of technology, sustainability, and community.

Maarten’s day begins with the sun casting a warm glow over the vast expanse of solar panels that form the backbone of the greenhouse’s energy system. These panels, seamlessly integrated into the structure, are more than just power sources; they are symbols of a revolution. The greenhouse harnesses the sun, wind, and geothermal energy, embodying the nation’s shift to renewable sources.

The complex that Maarten oversees is a marvel of automation and efficiency. Some plants, rooted in multi-layered platforms, move along tracks to optimize their exposure to sunlight and adapt the nutrition throughout their growth cycle. This dynamic system ensures that each plant receives the perfect amount of care, no matter its stage of development.

As he walks through the aisles, Maarten inspects the plants, their leaves glistening with morning dew. He stops to adjust a sensor monitoring the CO2 levels. These sensors, part of a sophisticated network, ensure optimal growth conditions. The CO2 captured from nearby industries is recycled here, promoting plant growth while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This circular system, once a dream, is now a daily reality, reducing the carbon footprint of agricultural practices. Additionally, the water management system is a feat of engineering – recovering and treating water to ensure minimal waste and maximum efficiency.

However, not all is seamless in this high-tech world. A pressing issue surfaces when the company renting the greenhouse under the “greenhouse as a service” model expresses dissatisfaction. The increasing downtime of the picking robots, crucial for harvesting, has been higher than expected, leading to delays and impact on the customer's supply chain. This operational hiccup sparks a conflict, highlighting the complexities and challenges of fully automated agricultural systems.

Midday, Maarten meets with the company’s representatives in a tension-filled meeting room overlooking the greenhouses. The air is thick with concern and frustration. Maarten listens, understands their grievances, and acknowledges their shortcomings. His role shifts from a consultant to a mediator, striving to find a middle ground. The meeting culminates in a renegotiation of the service contract. To avoid extra fee payments and maintain a strong partnership, he agrees to improve the maintenance schedules and work for a mid-term solution due to the problems with the current generation of the picking robots.

Post-lunch, Maarten takes a moment to bask in the sunlit atrium. He contemplates the day’s challenges. The Netherlands’ journey, once battling the sea, now leads the fight against climate change. The transformation wasn’t easy. It required societal shifts and a redefinition of values and goals. But the Dutch, known for their pragmatism and forward-thinking, embraced this challenge.

The afternoon is for fieldwork. Maarten, equipped with a tablet, inspects the robot fleet and supervises the implementation of new software upgrades. These drones, buzzing gently over the fields, are equipped with advanced imaging technology. They can detect disease, assess plant health, and even assist in precision farming – applying nutrients and water exactly where needed.

Just before Maarten leaves the greenhouse, he sees the sun setting in a spectacular display of oranges and reds. He pauses to don his AR glasses. Looking back at the sprawling complex, a digital overlay comes before his eyes. The glasses, more than just a futuristic gadget, provide real-time data on the greenhouse’s status: CO2 levels, energy consumption, water recycling metrics, and the operational efficiency of the robotic fleet. This digital panorama offers data, reassurance, and a sense of accomplishment. It represents the culmination of today’s efforts and the potential of tomorrow.

As the day winds down, Maarten joins his team for a debrief. They discuss the day’s findings, plan for upcoming projects, and share a light-hearted moment over a cup of sustainably sourced coffee. Moments like these remind Maarten of the human aspect of his work. Technology, innovation, and sustainability are all crucial. Still, it’s about people, community, and the environment.