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MSU joins coalition to help farmers manage, control data

3/8/2016
By: Karen Brasher

The Agricultural Data Coalition (ADC) is the result of years of planning and coordination by AGCO, the American Farm Bureau Federation, Auburn University, CNH Industrial, Crop IMS, The Ohio State University, Mississippi State University, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Raven Industries and Topcon Positioning Group.

ADC's goal is to build a national online repository where farmers can securely store and control the digital information collected by their tractors, harvesters, unmanned aerial vehicles and other devices. Over time, farmers may choose to have the data synced and transmitted in an efficient and uniform way to third parties, including researchers, crop insurance agents, government officials, farm managers, input providers or any trusted advisor the farmer chooses.

"Mississippi State University is committed to working with producers, agribusiness industry and other leading universities to find ways for farmers to utilize agricultural data more effectively and to make better farm management decisions," said Keith Coble, MSU Giles Distinguished Professor of Agricultural Economics.

ADC was announced last week in New Orleans at the annual Commodity Classic, the premier convention and trade show of the National Corn Growers Association, American Soybean Association, National Association of Wheat Growers and National Sorghum Producers.

"The key is that farmers are in complete control, and they decide who is allowed access to their data," explained ADC Interim Executive Director Matt Bechdol. "That's what sets ADC apart. This is not about profit for others; it's about streamlining data management, establishing clear lines of control, and helping growers utilize their data in ways that ultimately benefit them."

Farmers interested in learning more about data collection and organizations interested in joining ADC's efforts should visit agdatacoalition.org.

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