By John Roos, General Manager at ExtendAg. Featured in May 13th edition of the California League of Food Producers (CLFP) Insider email.

Field-level data is no longer a nice-to-have—it’s a competitive necessity for raw fruit and vegetable processors. And yet, many processors still rely on siloed systems and manual workarounds to connect the dots between what’s happening in the field and what’s arriving at the plant. That disconnect comes at a cost: missed forecasts, operational inefficiencies, and strained grower relationships. 

To build a truly connected supply chain, processors need more than a generic farm management tool or ERP system—they need a grower management solution purpose-built for the unique demands of processing operations. That system must include integrated, real-time field-level agronomics data to support informed contracting, harvest scheduling, quality forecasting, and operational decisions throughout the season. 

Why? Because what happens in the field directly impacts every decision made downstream. 

Better Forecasting Starts in the Soil 

Accurate contracting and supply planning depend on knowing what’s coming out of the ground. Field data—like planting dates, crop stages, irrigation patterns, and chemical and fertilizer applications—provides early insight into yield and quality expectations. With this visibility, processors can secure volume commitments with greater confidence, plan logistics more accurately, and reduce the guesswork that leads to over- or under-buying—all before harvest begins. 

Stronger Grower Relationships, Backed by Data 

Field-level visibility isn’t just for processors—it’s a relationship tool. When growers know that their field practices are being captured, monitored, and tied to payment or performance metrics, it creates greater transparency and trust. Processors can offer timely agronomic support, reward top-performing growers, and reduce disputes through data-backed decisions. 

Smarter Harvest Timing and Logistics 

Without visibility into crop readiness at the field level, processors risk inefficient harvest scheduling, delayed deliveries, storage overruns, and backlogs at receiving stations. Real-time agronomic data enables just-in-time harvesting—helping ensure optimal product quality while reducing downtime, spoilage, and avoidable storage costs. 

Compliance, Traceability, and Brand Protection 

Today’s consumers and regulators demand more visibility into how food is grown. With integrated field data in their grower management system, processors can track inputs, monitor sustainability practices, and ensure compliance with food safety standards—all within a single system. That means faster audit responses, stronger brand credibility, and greater resilience in the face of recalls or regulatory changes. 

One Platform, One Source of Truth 

When agronomic data lives in a silo, your teams lose time—and accuracy—navigating disconnected tools, outdated files, and manual data transfers. ExtendAg’s trusted grower management solution with integrated agronomics eliminates those silos, bringing crop milestones, scouting notes, and treatment records into one centralized platform. 

The result? Better decisions, faster responses, and a clearer view of your raw product lifecycle from seed to shipment. 

Bottom Line:
Agronomics doesn’t just belong on a map or in a scout’s notebook—it belongs at the heart of your operational strategy. With ExtendAg’s integrated agronomics, fruit and vegetable processors can finally connect the field to the factory floor, enabling smarter decisions, stronger partnerships, and more profitable outcomes across the board. 

Learn more about ExtendAg Agronomics.
Request a demo of ExtendAg Agronomics.