Components For A Successful Precision Agricultural System In Citrus Scott L. Peterich Integrated GIS, Inc. January 21, 2004

Overview What is a Geographic Information System Misconceptions of a GIS Benefits of a GIS Summary

What Is A Geographic Information System A system that allows all functional components of a company to analyze and quantify information, both text/tabular and spatial. A system that allows for and factors in change. A system that is extremely complex in design, operation, and management, however, easily displays to all parties information in summarized reports.

Misconceptions of a GIS A company GIS that consists of a full-time employee being assigned to a part-time position to manage the program. Reality - A GIS requires a full-time employee to manage and direct the program. Part-time dedication leads to frustration for all parties.

Misconceptions of a GIS Our company is going to wait until other citrus companies have figured out the benefits of technology and the we will copy what they have done. Reality – Even though an agricultural GIS has similar components, each system is customized to fit the company. This customization is accomplished by both trial and error and learning how to think in spatial terms.

Misconceptions of a GIS Our company does not have the technical personnel to run the sophisticated and complicated equipment and collect field data. Reality – Do not underestimate your personnel. Technical expertise can be learned and does not necessarily require a formal education. Most individuals currently involved in agricultural technology are self-taught.

Misconceptions of a GIS Citrus prices are so low our company does not have the money to spend on a GIS at this time. Reality – During tough economic times a GIS will allow you to apply your limited financial resources in areas where ROI can be maximized. Re-visit your budgets and find the money.

Misconceptions of a GIS We have a GIS. We have configured our equipment for VRA, collected geo- referenced soil samples, created a prescription map, and have begun making cultural practice changes to the grove. Reality – All of the above are good and components of a GIS, however, there is no system for handling the data. Refer to the meeting agenda: Geo-database development, data collection, data analysis, site-specific applications.

Misconceptions of a GIS We know our property inside and out. We know both the good and bad areas. We do not need a GIS and it would be a waste of money. Reality – Yours, of all companies, would receive the most benefit of a GIS. Property knowledge is essential in working with GIS professionals to develop the best strategy to correctly manage crop inputs. By working together positive changes will occur more rapidly.

Misconceptions of a GIS As an employee of a citrus company, I do not want a GIS since it could cost me my job in the future. Reality – A well designed GIS will allow individuals the opportunity to showcase their knowledge, skills, and talents. You will be evaluated more quantitatively rather than subjectively.

Misconceptions of a GIS Our company does not like computers and our personnel are not interested in learning how to use them. We are going to contract everything out to GIS professionals. Reality – This very well may be what most companies do. Your personnel do not have to be computer experts and contracting with GIS professionals would be a wise move.

Reality - Continued However, the information that is a created as a result of these GIS professional’s expertise must reside in a known safe and secure place. Information on 4 or 5 different computers can not be properly integrated, analyzed, and quantified. This information, in the long run, is your company’s financial future.

Benefits Of A GIS A GIS will allow a company to better understand their financial producing assets. Not all land was created equal. Future property values will be based on productivity potential for agricultural use and proximity to urban areas for commercialization.

Benefits Of A GIS Preparation for addressing Government compliance issues. In the past, most agencies had proprietary databases that were not easily interchangeable. Most agencies have now adopted a GIS and are operating on similar geo-databases that can easily be transferred to each other. – Best Management Practices – Water Management Districts – EPA – City, County, State Land-use plans

Benefits Of A GIS Commodity buyers and the consumer. Technology has brought the world closer together and consumers are demanding detailed information on what they are purchasing. – Country of Origin – Food Safety – Where was the commodity grown and what was applied on the crop.

Benefits Of A GIS Product Quality and Compensation – Evaluation of product quality components such as rootstock/scion relationships, soil, moisture, etc. – Compensation – Processing facilities are making a move to pay for lbs. juice, not lbs. solids. Depending on the factors previously described, there could be a difference in long- term financial compensation.

Summary Prior to the adoption of a GIS, design it to reflect the current and future strategic direction of the company. – What market segments are you currently involved in – Citrus, sod, cattle, sugarcane, ornamentals, etc. – What is the best use for the land long term Agriculture or Commercialization.

Summary Listen carefully to the following Presenters. Each presentation is a valuable component of your GIS. How you integrate these components will ultimately determine the sophistication and success of your GIS.

Summary The design, implementation, and management of a GIS is extremely difficult. Senior Management of the company must provide their vision and financial support and remain involved through each phase of the GIS development if positive results are to be obtained. Without Senior Management support less than desirable results will occur.

Summary Geo-Database Yield Monitoring Geographic Information System Labor Tracking Soil Profiling Tree Size Assessment Irrigation Weather Soil Fertility Variable Rate Applications GPS Equipment Sensors