Langham, Sask (Rural Roots Canada) – Not far from Lake Lenore in Saskatchewan, the Bauer family farm thrives across 4,000 acres of land. From canola to wheat to barley and more, this family-run operation reflects a blend of old values and modern methods.

As with most farms during the growing season, the journey isn’t without its challenges. As summer unfolds, the intense heat and dry conditions certainly test the resilience of Chris and Candice Bauer. This year, the season started strong with good sun and soil moisture and rain, ideal for seeding. But the heat moved in mid-June and the Bauer farm expects a slightly below-average crop this year.

The data they will reap, however, will be a big help for next year thanks to Climate FieldView, a field data app developed by Bayer CropScience. The app collects, stores, and analyzes data in an easy-to-use platform that’s accessible from the cab of your combine or the comfort of the farmhouse.

On the Bauer farm, diversity reigns in its soil types – clay, sand, and more – creating a unique canvas for growth. Chris says the data collected over the last couple of years resulted in a bumper crop for them in 2022.

“You really got to see what we applied and what our plans were and how well they produced. Our biggest takeaway from 2022 was disease pressure. We didn’t apply as much fungicide as maybe we should have and you really can see on the daily collection (of data) how that affected our final yields, on canola especially.”

READ MORE: Unlocking the Potential of HyperLayer Data on Farms

The results reinforce the significance of data-driven insights that shape farming decisions.

Candice champions the app’s efficiency and returns. She points out how the Fieldview data empowers the family to identify high-yield fields and crops, which gives them a critical edge for a small family farm.

“The data we’re collecting is so useful for us. It increases our efficiency and as every farming family knows, every dollar counts. So it’s very important we utilize the data we’re collecting.”

The Bauer’s highlight an intriguing aspect of FieldView – its ability to foster inclusivity. They point to a feature of the app that enables rock hunting, making the locations of a rock in a field. Anyone using the app can go to that field and clear away the rock so it doesn’t get caught up in the combine. Candice says this feature, beyond its practicality, bridges the gap between the generations.

“It allows us to include people without a lot of farm experience to be part of the farm. Family wants to be part of the family farm, and even if they don’t have experience, they can help in some way.”

As tradition and technology continue to converge, the Bauer family farm symbolizes that adaptability and progress. It’s further proof that data-driven insights will steer the course toward a flourishing agricultural future.