AgTech Built for Farmers: 2024 Innovation Summit

2024 Highlights

In Q3 of 2024, we hosted two Innovation Summits designed for our farmer customers – one in person in Indianapolis, and one online. These Summits served as a hub for knowledge sharing, networking, and collaboration amongst North American row crop farmers. Our goal was to spark conversation and offer valuable insights to ensure clients best leverage our software to support their specific use cases.

Hearing directly from our farmer clients is always a win for employees. One story about how our 1099 software transformed a three-day task into an hour-long task did not fall on deaf ears.

Our 1099 software integration was a difficult one to complete. So when I hear that this feature saved at least one customer a lot of time, it confirms that the effort put forth was well worth it!”

_{Larry Yarian, Engineer — Traction Ag}

Not only did we hear stories about how we’ve improved businesses, but we also heard timely stories of hardship centering around low commodity prices. It’s these types of on-farm challenges that drive us to continually improve. We’re proud that our business goes two ways and we are listening intently and learning from our clients as we evolve. At Traction Ag, we believe in putting this farmer first, and these events are simply one extension of that.

Traction Ag Is Independent

In today’s digital landscape, many farmers are thinking about data ownership, and we’re right there with you! Unfortunately, we are living in an era where data is often commoditized by being bought and sold, so keeping sight of who owns your farm data has never been more critical. A question about our company’s independence surfaced immediately and CEO, Dustin Sapp, proudly stated that was one of the first things he considered before deciding to join the company in late 2023.

At Traction Ag, we recognize that remaining independent is key to our purpose of helping farmers thrive. By maintaining our independence, we can focus exclusively on the needs of our clients, delivering tailored solutions without conflicting interests from larger corporate entities. This independence enables us to innovate freely, collaborate with farmers to refine our product offerings, and prioritize their data security and privacy. Ultimately, we believe that when farmers have full control of their data and access to the best technology solutions, they are better equipped to succeed. We are and will remain Ag Data Transparent certified. This ownership also fosters trust, as farmers can confidently leverage their data for customized solutions without fearing misuse or exploitation.

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The Training Agenda

The heart of the Innovation Summit featured an extensive agenda packed with breakout sessions focusing on our core products: Traction Business, Traction Enterprise (formerly Granular), and Traction Conservis. Each training session was carefully crafted to empower our clients with the knowledge to maximize the benefits of their software systems.

Key Training Topics Included:

State of Company

• This session delved into the current and future developments of our Traction platform and partnerships. Active participation allowed attendees to share their experiences, which will help shape the future roadmap of our products.

Entering Day-to-Day Accounting Transactions

• Clients were shown the ins and outs of efficiently managing their daily accounting. This hands-on approach offered practical solutions to a common pain point in farm management.

Tracking Input Inventory & Making Adjustments

• Learning how to accurately track inventory and make necessary adjustments is crucial in maximizing profitability. Clients were provided with strategies to simplify these processes.

Managing Harvested Crop Inventory, Scale Tickets, & Storage Locations

• This session was pivotal in equipping clients with tools to effectively manage harvested crops, ensuring that they can optimize storage.

Allocating Overhead & Equipment Costs

• Understanding the distribution of costs to fields is a critical aspect of a successful agricultural operation. Tips were shared on how to manage equipment and other costs to fine-tune the cost of production.

Analyzing Field & Crop Profitability

• A data-driven approach to profitability analysis can significantly impact decision-making. Participants learned valuable techniques to assess their crop performance and make informed choices.

Handling Share-Crop & Custom Work Scenarios That Include Invoicing

• Navigating share-crop agreements and custom work arrangements can be complex. This session provided guidance on invoicing and managing these situations effectively.

Machine Integrations

• Technology integration is essential for streamlining operations. We explored various integration options, including the John Deere Operation Center, Climate FieldView™, and Tax 1099 tools, showcasing how they can enhance farm management.

Fostering a Culture of Innovation

The Innovation Summits were not just about training; they were about fostering a culture of innovation within our ag community. By creating a space where clients can engage with industry leaders and share their experiences, we continue to build a collaborative network that will drive the ag sector forward.

As we move beyond these summits, we remain dedicated to listening to our clients’ needs, refining our products, and advancing our purpose to help farmers thrive. We thank all our participants for their enthusiasm and insights, and we look forward to implementing the learnings from these events to better serve our community well into the future!

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