The 2025 CropLife/Purdue Precision Adoption Survey, conducted biennially since 1996, offers a valuable snapshot of the precision agriculture landscape, particularly in the Midwest. This year’s survey, which engaged 93 dealers and retailers, reveals several notable trends and challenges that are shaping the industry.
One of the most significant findings is the anticipated growth in specific precision services. Over the next three years, 19% of dealers plan to add machine vision weed detection on sprayers, 17% will introduce Variable Rate Technology (VRT) for custom pesticide applications, and 15% will offer profit/cost mapping. These services represent the cutting edge of precision agriculture, promising to enhance efficiency and productivity on farms.
Currently, the most commonly offered services include VRT fertilizer application (84%), grid/zone soil sampling (62%), yield monitor/data analysis (53%), and VRT seeding prescriptions (52%). These services have become staples in the precision agriculture toolkit, reflecting their proven value to farmers. However, the adoption of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) or drone services for applying crop inputs is still relatively low, with only 27% of dealers currently offering this service. Yet, there is potential for growth, as 10% of dealers plan to add this service within the next three years.
The survey also highlights the barriers to adoption that farmers face. The top barrier, cited by 55% of dealers, is overall farm income. This suggests that economic constraints are a significant factor limiting the uptake of precision agriculture technologies. The second most cited barrier is the perception that the costs of precision services often exceed the benefits, indicating a need for better demonstration of the return on investment for these technologies.
For dealers themselves, the primary challenge is finding employees who can deliver precision services. This issue has been a top concern since 2021, reflecting broader labor market trends both within and outside of agriculture. Other persistent challenges include the high costs of equipment needed to provide precision services and insufficient fees to make these services profitable. Interestingly, dealers do not see a lack of manufacturer support as a significant barrier, suggesting that they feel well-supported by the companies whose technologies they sell.
As we await the complete breakdown of the 2025 survey, these initial findings provide a clear picture of the opportunities and challenges in precision agriculture. The trends indicate a growing emphasis on advanced technologies like machine vision and drones, while the barriers highlight the need for economic viability and skilled labor. For those working in the precision agriculture sector, these insights can guide strategic decisions and help navigate the evolving landscape of farm technology.