In the heart of Broadwater, Nebraska, Frank Lussetto is navigating the complexities of modern farming on his expansive 3,000-acre operation. During the peak seasons of planting and harvest, Lussetto is faced with numerous critical decisions that can significantly impact his profitability. For him, technology is not just a luxury; it is an essential toolbox that enables him to meticulously record every action taken on the farm and analyze how these choices affect his bottom line. “Say we have 10 things on the farm that we know we want to improve, like hybrid selection, seed placement, spray timing, or harvest timing,” Lussetto explains. “If we can just do each one a little bit better, say 1%, that’s 10% more to our bottom line.”
This approach to farming is increasingly common as producers recognize the importance of precise financial management. Traditionally, farms have relied on cash accounting methods for tax purposes, which provide a snapshot of cash flow but can obscure the true profitability of individual crops. Ben Longlet, a digital specialist at Harvest Profit, emphasizes this point, noting that understanding the costs associated with each bushel is crucial for farmers. “Farmers need to know exactly what went into every bushel and what it cost them so they know where they need to sell to make a profit,” he says. Harvest Profit’s software offers tools that help farmers navigate financial challenges, revealing opportunities for profitability even in uncertain times.
Ryan Raguse, a sixth-generation farmer from Wheaton, Minnesota, has experienced firsthand how technology can transform farm management. After the unexpected passing of his father in 2023, Raguse took over the family farm and utilized Bushel Farm, a management software co-founded by him, to streamline operations and enhance decision-making. “You’re an agronomist, a grain marketer, an accountant, and a mechanic,” he reflects. “Leveraging technology to help with that is immensely useful.” With insights from Bushel Farm, Raguse can assess his farm’s profitability almost in real-time, allowing him to make informed marketing decisions as market conditions fluctuate.
Both Lussetto and Raguse illustrate a growing trend among farmers who view their fields as factories, using data to evaluate the profitability of each parcel of land. For Lussetto, tracking costs such as irrigation pumping has revealed stark differences in profitability across his fields. “For some of our ground, our breakeven was 40¢ or 50¢ more per bushel because of the depth of the water and the cost of crop insurance in a different county,” he notes. This level of analysis is critical, especially as farmers brace for uncertainty in the coming years.
As the agricultural sector faces challenges, including market volatility and rising input costs, tools like Harvest Profit and Bushel Farm are proving invaluable. They not only help farmers like Lussetto and Raguse optimize their operations but also equip them to weather economic downturns. “I’ve been farming for almost 50 years, and I’ve seen all these downturns,” Lussetto reflects. “It’s just the cycle of business, and these management tools will help us weather that cycle a lot better.” As technology continues to evolve, it promises to play an even more vital role in shaping the future of farming, making it more efficient and resilient in the face of ongoing challenges.
