Farming Gets Smarter: AgTech’s Quiet Revolution Through IoT and AI

By Henry Duah

Agriculture is no longer just about soil, sun, and sweat. Integrating Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and precision technologies is transforming how farmers monitor, manage, and respond to their crops and livestock needs. As agriculture confronts mounting pressure to produce more with fewer resources, innovators turn to cutting-edge technologies to redefine farms’ operations.

While drones and robotics often steal the limelight in agtech conversations, IoT devices’ quiet but powerful work forms the backbone of many innovative agricultural solutions. IoT sensors enable constant environmental monitoring, predictive alerts, and reduced labour inputs, creating a more efficient feedback loop between the farmer and the field. When combined with AI, these sensors don’t just collect data; they interpret it, providing actionable insights for timely intervention. The result is healthier crops, more sustainable grazing, and optimised resource use.

Innovators’ Spotlight
This snapshot explores a growing wave of agri-tech companies harnessing the power of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and artificial intelligence (AI) to automate some of the field’s most labour-intensive and complex tasks. From monitoring pests and analysing soil in real time to redefining how livestock are managed, these innovations are unlocking new levels of efficiency, sustainability, and precision in farming.

Trapview (Slovenia, 2007)
Trapview is a precision agriculture solution that leverages proprietary IoT devices and AI-powered analytics to automate and enhance pest monitoring across farms. Developed by EFOS, the system deploys smart traps that collect real-time data on insect populations across diverse field locations. This data is transmitted to the cloud, which is analysed using advanced algorithms to generate clear visual reports, predictive pest forecasts, and actionable insights for plant protection decisions. Trapview empowers growers to reduce chemical use, minimise crop losses, and optimise labour, contributing to more sustainable and cost-effective farming operations. With a presence in over 40 countries and support for more than 60 pest species, Trapview is helping agriculture scale sustainably, from vineyards in Slovenia to almond orchards in California.

Nofence (Norway, 2011)
Nofence is a pioneering agri-tech company offering the world’s first virtual fencing solution for grazing animals. Using GPS-enabled collars and a user-friendly mobile app, Nofence allows farmers to create, manage, and monitor dynamic pastures without needing physical fences. This Iot-powered system reduces fencing costs and manual labour and enhances grazing efficiency by preventing overgrazing and enabling better land stewardship. With real-time location tracking and audio-guided boundary training, Nofence gives livestock keepers complete control over their herds, ushering farmers into a new era of sustainable, tech-driven livestock management.

Stenon (Germany, 2018)
Stenon is an agri-tech company revolutionising soil analysis through real-time, data-driven solutions that empower farmers and agribusinesses to optimise crop yields, reduce input costs, and advance sustainable agriculture. Their flagship product, FarmLab, is a portable soil analysis device equipped with advanced sensors and GPS technology, delivering over 4,500 precise data points within seconds. Powered by AI and supported by intuitive software, Stenon’s platform translates raw data into actionable insights, offering tailored recommendations for fertilisation and field management. Serving input retailers, machinery dealers, consultants, and food producers, Stenon enables digital transformation across agriculture while driving operational efficiency and high-margin growth opportunities.

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