Making smart and profitable investments in precision ag tech: The case for retro-fit solutions
Precision agriculture is continuing to change how food is produced around the world, and while New Zealand has always been quick to adopt practical on-farm innovation, there is still a sense of caution when it comes to investing in cutting-edge ag tech.
That caution is understandable. Farmers are used to weighing risks and rewards, and when the technology in question is both expensive and rapidly evolving, the hesitation is justified. There’s little appeal in spending significant capital on a factory-installed system only to find that it is outdated within a few years.
Justin Van Viersen, Commercial Director for PTx Trimble, believes there is a better way forward.
“A retro-fit approach to precision agriculture allows farmers to access the benefits of this technology without committing to the cost and depreciation of brand-new equipment,” he says. “It’s a strategic and flexible option that allows for investment over time, not all at once.”
Farmers have always relied on tools to make their work easier, faster, and more efficient. That hasn’t changed, even though the tools look very different. But what has changed is the pace of advancement. The technology used in tractors, implements and sprayers is improving exponentially, yet the basic fact remains that farmers still operate within the bounds of the season. They can’t fast-track a harvest to see if a new system will deliver what it promises, and by the time a season has run its course and results are in, another version of the tech may already have been released.
“This creates a gap,” Justin explains. “You’re trying to make long-term capital decisions in a space that moves very quickly. That’s where retro-fit comes into its own. It lets farmers experiment, iterate and evolve, collecting real-world data on their own farms as they go.”
That experimentation can take many forms. Whether it’s fine-tuning how nutrients are applied, adjusting spray rates based on plant health mapping, or trialling new techniques in crop establishment, retro-fit technology lets farmers run those trials on their own terms.
The biggest agronomic gains, says Justin, come when farmers are willing to be flexible.
“It’s about more than just hardware. If you’re open to adjusting your growing practices based on the insights that technology gives you, you’ll get more from your land. Precision tools allow you to reduce inputs without reducing yield, but that takes a willingness to test and learn.”
In a climate where margins are under pressure and capital is tight, the argument for retro-fitting rather than replacing machinery is a strong one. A new tractor, for example, is a substantial outlay, and for many operators it is an expense that simply cannot be justified unless there is a major failure in the existing fleet. But even then, the new machine may come with pre-installed tech that is either non-customisable or not compatible with existing systems already in use across the farm. Investing instead in modular retro-fit components makes it possible to extend the life and functionality of existing equipment.
“It’s about being strategic with your investment,” says Justin. “You’re not just buying a piece of gear. You’re building a system, and that system can grow with you over time. That’s a more resilient approach, especially given the global economic headwinds affecting agriculture right now.”
There’s also a practical element to consider. Not all farmers want the same solution. Soil types vary. Crops vary. Even paddocks on the same farm can vary dramatically in how they respond to inputs. The ability to implement new technology in stages, rather than being locked into a single all-in-one system, gives farmers control. They can tailor the tech to their environment, not the other way around.
As adoption of precision ag increases, the conversation is shifting from ‘if’ to ‘how’. These systems will shape the future of farming, there’s no question about that. What remains up for discussion is the best path to take, and retro-fit solutions are increasingly seen as a smart first step.
“For farmers who want to get started, or who are already on the journey and want to scale up,” Justin says, “this approach offers a practical, profitable way to do it.”
For farmers thinking about how to unlock the value of precision tools without breaking the bank, now may be the right time to assess what can be upgraded and what can be made smarter. The decision doesn’t have to be all or nothing. By retro-fitting proven technology to existing equipment, farmers can tap into greater accuracy, reduced waste, and better returns — without surrendering the flexibility that has always been part of good farming practice.
Justin Van Viersen is the Commercial Director of PTx Trimble, a joint venture launched in 2024 to bring advanced precision agriculture solutions to farmers globally. Based in Perth, he is responsible for the company’s operations throughout the Asia-Pacific-Africa region. For more information visit ptxag.com.