On one hand, this kind of consolidation, a form of verticial integration, seems inevitable. On the other hand, it seems to me that more and more people whill have access to the farmer's data, and will have much more ability to analyze it and act or recommend based on it.
It would seem to me that farmers are going to have to figure out how to let this thing get in bed with them without it rolling over and smothering them.
For many of us older farmers, it will simply be a curious phenomenon. For younger operators and landowners, it will be something to adjust to.
Let me ask - will landowners being writing into the lease their rights on data developed in the process of farming their land? Obviously, the yield, fertility level and other data will be important in land sales and in writing a fair lease. Yet, at this time, I wonder if landowners have any clue that their farm is being mined for data.
I think I'd have to think careflly as a landlord about what data left my farm.
Anyway, I think what you write about is inevitable and will cause consolidation and change.
