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    Digital Farming

    Process automationSmart farming
    Editorially reviewed on: 1 source
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    The short answer · 12 words

    In short

    Use of digital technologies and sensors for data-driven optimization of agricultural processes.

    Flow-alerta.cab (2026): Digital Farming. https://flow-alerta.cab/en/glossar/digital-farming. Editorially reviewed on: 09 October 2026.

    How much detail would you like?

    Practical

    Relevant for agricultural holdings; test the benefits and profitability on the actual use.

    Possible example: Camera sensors detect weeds so that an operation can apply plant protection products in a more targeted manner. A certain savings rate is not guaranteed.

    Precision fertilisation, crop yield forecasts, automated animal monitoring and digital documentation for funding.

    At a glance

    Core
    Digital farming uses, among other things, digital documentation, sensors, geodata and networked machines. This can support decisions and processes in agriculture and animal husbandry. Resource savings and returns depend on location, technology and implementation.
    Use
    Relevant for agricultural holdings; test the benefits and profitability on the actual use.
    Example
    Possible example: Camera sensors detect weeds so that an operation can apply plant protection products in a more targeted manner. A certain savings rate is not guaranteed.
    Limits
    High initial investment in networked machines; insufficient mobile coverage in rural areas; silo data formats.

    In context

    Computer Vision

    A subfield of AI that analyzes images and videos to recognize objects, patterns, text or spatial contexts.

    Questions about this term

    Is digital farming also worthwhile for small businesses?

    This depends on costs, space, frequency of use and available service providers.

    Is precision agriculture the same?

    It is an important part; digital farming also includes other digital operating processes.

    All details and background

    Digital farming uses, among other things, digital documentation, sensors, geodata and networked machines. This can support decisions and processes in agriculture and animal husbandry. Resource savings and returns depend on location, technology and implementation.

    ELI5 – Explained simply

    A company uses digital metrics to better decide where and when water or fertilizer is needed. This does not promise an error-free supply of every plant.

    Why it matters in practice

    Relevant for agricultural holdings; test the benefits and profitability on the actual use.

    Example

    Possible example: Camera sensors detect weeds so that an operation can apply plant protection products in a more targeted manner. A certain savings rate is not guaranteed.

    Pitfalls and limits

    • High initial investment in networked machines; insufficient mobile coverage in rural areas; silo data formats.

    Origin & history

    Among other things, it builds on precision agriculture, satellite navigation and digital operations management. The BMEL describes applications and framework conditions of digitalization in agriculture.

    Use in mid-sized companies

    • Precision fertilisation, crop yield forecasts, automated animal monitoring and digital documentation for funding.

    Related terms

    Matching Flow-alerta service

    AI opportunity analysis & roadmapAI potential analysis & roadmap; AI assistants & automation – operational data and documentation processes

    Matching tool / use case

    View use casesUse Case: Bringing together field data and digital documentation for operational decisions.

    Sources

    • www.bmel.deBMEL - Digitalisierung in der Landwirtschaft

    Quellen geprüft am 09.10.2026.

    Editorially reviewed on:

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