Low-cost ways small farms can lean into technology and innovation

Technology is transforming agriculture, and small farms are no exception. With the right tools, even modest operations can boost productivity, reduce risk and stay competitive.

Affordable tech solutions

Today’s agricultural technology comes with tools designed to empower farmers, streamline operations and maximize productivity, and it’s now more accessible than ever, even for small-scale farms. Thanks to advancements in technology and increasing competition in the market, many of these tools are becoming more affordable and scalable. Farm management apps are often available through subscription models or even free versions, making it easy for small farmers to access livestock tracking, grazing schedules and record-keeping without a high upfront cost.

Soil and weather sensors

Soil and weather sensors have had significant price drops in recent years, with smaller, more cost-effective models available to provide critical data for optimizing irrigation and planting decisions.

Drones and GPS systems

Once reserved for large operations, drones and GPS systems now come in compact, budget-friendly options that allow small farms to benefit from precision farming without breaking the bank.

Remote monitoring systems

Remote monitoring systems are becoming increasingly more affordable due to lower hardware costs and cloud-based platforms, enabling real-time insights into livestock, machinery and water levels at a fraction of the previous cost.

These innovations are shaping a future where small farmers can leverage cutting-edge tools to improve efficiency and yields, closing the gap between large- and small-scale agricultural operations.

Risk management through technology

Innovative technology not only boosts efficiency but can also improve safety and mitigate risks. Nationwide partners with a variety of agtech vendors to provide solutions to customers with preferred pricing.

Asset tracking and theft prevention

Small-farm owners often rely on a few pieces of expensive, essential equipment that are critical to their operations. Every tractor, plow or harvester they invest in plays a vital role and represents a significant financial commitment.

For small farm owners, telematics systems go beyond location tracking—they deliver critical insights into equipment health. By monitoring engine performance, fluid levels, temperature and battery voltage, these systems help farmers detect issues early. Tracking wear and tear allows for timely maintenance, preventing costly breakdowns and minimizing downtime during peak seasons.

With Razor Tracking, farmers can monitor the location and usage of their equipment in real time, reducing the risk of theft and ensuring efficient use. This system provides peace of mind and helps protect these crucial assets, potentially saving farmers thousands of dollars in losses or downtime.

Fire prevention tools

For small-scale farmers, protecting crops, hay and other assets from fire is critical. Innovative solutions from Teledyne FLIR, PrevTech and HAYTECH help mitigate fire risks by detecting early warning signs - like overheating equipment, electrical faults, or spontaneous haystack combustion - before they escalate. If a fire does break out, EnforcerOne offers user-friendly fire suppression systems and extinguishing concentrates designed to stop it in its tracks during the critical early moments. Together, these technologies can help prevent devastating losses, allowing farmers to focus on growing their operations without fear of fire- related setbacks.

These solutions provide small farms with the tools needed to address potential threats before they become costly problems.

How Nationwide encourages farm innovation

By investing in the right tools and technologies, small farms can pave the way for greater resilience, efficiency and success. With Nationwide as their partner in innovation, adopting and implementing agtech solutions has never been easier or more essential.