Across North America, the number of farms is declining, but the ones that remain are becoming increasingly tech-driven. Farmers are turning to automation, software, and data analysis to boost efficiency, reduce waste, and manage risk in an industry that has always relied on hard work.
In Saskatchewan, Canada, third-generation farmer Jake Leguee has witnessed this transformation firsthand. His family has farmed the same 17,000 acres since the 1950s, growing wheat, canola, flax, and lentils. As a child, Leguee watched his father and grandfather spend long, hot days manually spraying crops and sowing seeds.
“Back then, it was a lot less efficient,” he said. “Today, technology has changed the way we work.”
Leguee’s farm now uses precision spraying equipment equipped with sensors and cameras. The system can identify weeds in real time and spray only where necessary, even while the tractor moves at 15 miles per hour. The result: lower pesticide use, reduced costs, and a more efficient operation.
Not all technology needs to be expensive, Leguee noted. Simple tools, such as mobile apps to track field data or manage records, can also improve efficiency. “It’s about finding solutions that actually work for your farm,” he said.
Technology isn’t just for large-scale operations. In Vermont, farmer Norah Lake uses software to track harvest data, compare year-to-year results, and plan future crops. “It used to take hours with spreadsheets,” she said. “Now, I can manage everything on my phone or computer.”
Agricultural tech companies are expanding the tools available. Syngenta’s AI-driven platforms, for example, use satellite imagery and historical weather data to alert farmers to pests, disease, or extreme weather events before they cause serious damage. Other software programs simulate crop performance under different conditions, helping farmers optimize water use and maximize yields.
Experts say the shift toward tech-dense farms could benefit consumers, too. More consistent harvests can help stabilize food supplies and prices, reducing the risk of crop failures and shortages.
While younger farmers are often quicker to adopt new tools, Leguee emphasizes the importance of keeping an open mind at every age. “Some of these farms are multi-million-dollar businesses supporting multiple families. Technology isn’t just innovation—it’s survival,” he said.
Farming, it seems, is no longer just a way of life—it’s increasingly a high-tech business.
