Optimal Eco Asset Program: Part 3

Hello, and welcome to part III of preparing for success with our Optimal Eco Asset Program. Last month, I discussed the importance of creating a digital agriculture strategy using the John Deere Operations Center or Climate FieldView. This month, I would like to share some best practices for getting started with these tools, whether you are using them for the first time or want to ensure your existing account is set up for easy and efficient documentation.
 

Step 1: Set up and refine your profile, including details about your grower information, farms, fields, and boundaries.

Grower: Most people typically need just one grower, which should be your main farm entity. If you provide custom services for others, you can either create an additional grower labeled "Custom" to keep it distinct from your operations or establish a separate grower for each new operation you assist with.

Farms: Farms organize and group fields together. Most people use this level of the tree to identify different landlords and group their fields accordingly. Doing so allows you to share only that specific farm and its fields with a landlord if they have their own JD Ops or Fieldview account. Additionally, some people use this method to group fields located in the same section or that are related by a geographical reference. Every operation is unique, so take some time to consider which approach works best for you, and then be consistent in application.

Fields and boundaries:  Fields are as we think of them, but confusion can arise regarding their boundaries, especially when fields are adjacent or when a single field is farmed in portions. Ideally, you should map a field based on the specific crop planted there and avoid changing the boundaries every year. Constant changes may lead to confusion and result in the creation of multiple fields over time. If there is any uncertainty, it is generally better to designate two separate fields if they will be farmed differently rather than having one large field with two distinct crops grown in it.

The key point I want to emphasize is ensuring that each field name is unique. Using multiple names like “Home Place” or “Home 80s” can create confusion and lead to misapplications. To avoid this, include the farm name or a section number so each field is clearly identifiable. Additionally, avoid special characters, as they often cause issues with equipment and systems—the only exception is a dash. Examples of effective field names: “Martha Kent Home Place” or “Martha K Home NW4-13-3W”

Both JD Ops and Fieldview offer tools to move, merge, and delete all levels of the tree, so please take time now to organize it. Good data in leads to good data out!

 

Step 2: Monitor Setup 

Now that you have all your fields ready, take some time to set up the inputs you will use. This step is crucial for ensuring that your data is descriptive and standardized, especially when dealing with multiple pieces of equipment or several operators. Additionally, consider creating your operations and custom blends in advance. This preparation will help facilitate easy and efficient documentation when you are out in the field.

The final step is to create setup files containing all this information and upload them to all the equipment you will use this year.

 

Step 3:  Meet with your MKC representative to discuss field changes and develop a plan for success.

Once you have your operation set up for this year, please schedule a meeting with your MKC representative. During this meeting, we will review the farms, fields, and boundaries that we have mapped in our system for you. This ensures our information is stays up to date so we can serve you best.

Finally, create a success plan by sharing any crop plans you have developed and outlining how you would like MKC to assist you in 2025. Taking the time now to discuss your needs and expectations will greatly enhance the customer experience for everyone involved.

For additional JD Ops setup help, please visit Welcome to Operations Center | John Deere US. 

For additional Fieldview help, please visit Getting Started or Climate Corp | Knowledge 


Article provided by Ross Benissh, Ag Technology Manager