TELUS x Agrii

Data is now one of the most valuable assets on a farm. From soil and yield maps to drone imagery and market prices, the modern farm business generates more data than ever before. But the challenge is no longer how to collect it BUT how to manage, interpret, and act on it.

In the latest episode of the Tramlines podcast, Tony Smith spoke with Ben Hatton (TELUS Agriculture & Consumer Goods) and Sam Fordham (RHIZA Digital, part of Agrii) about how data-driven tools are reshaping UK agriculture.

This partnership is designed to give farmers a digital backbone: integrated systems that make farm businesses more resilient, efficient, and future-proof.

Why Farm Data Matters More Than Ever

Farmers have always worked with data, weather patterns, soil conditions, cropping history, and yields.
But as Sam explains, the industry is now facing new demands:

• Traceability & compliance: End markets and processors increasingly require proof of crop treatments, timings, and sustainability credentials.
• Carbon reporting: While not in the headlines as much as two years ago, carbon measurement remains key, particularly as UK produce will compete with imports under stricter carbon taxes.
• Biodiversity & environmental standards: Landowners must demonstrate how they are farming in ways that protect and enhance the environment.

This means farm records are no longer just for internal use; they are business-critical for accessing markets, contracts, and finance.

The Power of Integration: TELUS x Agrii

One of the biggest frustrations for growers has been data duplication, recording the same information multiple times across different platforms.

The new TELUS x Agrii collaboration focuses on:

• Seamless data transfer between farmer and advisor, eliminating double entry.
• Cleaner, more reliable datasets that reduce errors.
• Cloud-based platforms that keep records accurate, accessible, and secure.
  
  
  

Turning Data Into Decisions

“Having data is one thing, but understanding it, acting on it, and using it in the right way is the key.”
- Ben Hatton

When information is properly stored and accessible, it unlocks opportunities beyond compliance:

• Profitability analysis: Understanding true costs per hectare.
• Access to finance: Stronger records improve eligibility for loans and grants.
• Marketability: Accurate data helps farmers meet processor and retailer standards.
• Future resilience: Data-backed insights support decision-making in a volatile industry.
  
  
  

Emerging Tools: From Drones to AI

Beyond traditional data, new technologies are rapidly entering UK agriculture:

• Skippy Scout drone-based crop imaging, offering higher-resolution data than satellites, without the delays of cloud cover.
• Automated drone flights in the near future, drones could collect data daily from “drone nests,” providing near real-time insights.
• Artificial Intelligence AI will increasingly be used to sift through large datasets, identify patterns, and generate actionable recommendations.

These technologies will only deliver value if they are supported by robust platforms, exactly what TELUS and Agrii aim to provide.

Practical Takeaways for Farmers

• Define your goals first: Map out what “good” looks like for your farm, then identify the data and tools to support it.
• Work with trusted advisors: Agronomists, agri-tech partners, and neighbours can share practical experiences.
• Embrace change gradually: Start with the systems that reduce workload (e.g., removing duplicate data entry).
• Keep future resilience in mind: From carbon reporting to biodiversity, data is the foundation for future-proofing your farm business.
  
  
  

The Future of Digital Farming

Farming is moving towards a future where automation, robotics, and AI play a growing role in crop production. But the common denominator is always the same: data.

The TELUS x Agrii partnership ensures UK farmers aren’t left behind. By building the digital backbone of modern farming, this collaboration helps growers turn information overload into actionable intelligence, protecting profitability while meeting the demands of markets, regulators, and the environment.