Looking back on the last decade or so, technology has changed a lot – and in farming, it’s no exception, says NextGen Farmer Jesse Miedema, with Miedema Farms.
Miedema Farms is described as a progressive dairy farm just outside of Cobourg.
“My wife and I took over the farm in 2022, and we’re already trying to grow the farm, so we bought some land,” explained Miedema, who is part of our special NextGen Farmer series.
Miedema wants to ensure their farmland remains viable for the next generation – and should their young kids eventually want to take over, which is the hope.
And technology already plays a huge role in the day-to-day operations.
From those “rumination devices” – equated to “Fitbits” for cows – to help monitor cattle, to data tools, and more, Miedema says adapting and incorporating technology is critical to farmers’ long-term survival.
“Everybody needs to adapt, or we’re going to be left behind,” said Miedema, adding it’s also anticipated in the next decade about 40 per cent of farmers will be retiring.
“We’re already seeing labour shortages, so it’s going to get worse. We need to adapt now, so we’re ready for that.”
Protecting farmlands is crucial, continued Miedema, while referencing another study suggesting some 66 per cent of farms don’t have a plan for the next generation. Miedema questions what will happen to these lands.
“We need to keep our groceries and prices down, and if we lose more farmland, it’s going to get more expensive …”
Just one way that technology helps is when it comes to feeding cows “exactly what they need” – and not overspending on feed – and there are an array of “spot-on” data programs testing feed and the like, explained Miedema, adding all this helps keep cows healthy, and operations running smoother.
And while the tech can be expensive, Miedema feels it’s worth it to save in the barn, on vet bills and whatnot, all of which ultimately helps the bottom line, continued Miedema.
“The data nowadays – data is everything, it’s key – if you’re not tracking data, you don’t know what’s going on in your farm …”
To listen in on our interview with Miedema, click play below.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt, with files from Joseph Goden.)
