How AgriCarm Is Changing the Game for Farmers

Small-scale farming used to mean backbreaking labor with minimal technological assistance. Today, with agriculture accounting for 26% of employment worldwide, a digital change is transforming the industry. The upcoming app is set to launch at the beginning of next year (2025).

Agricultural technology platform AgriCarm will provide farmers with accessible tools that large industrial farms once monopolized, paving the way for a more sustainable and productive agricultural future.

The journey of Francisco Velasquez, a passionate agronomist with a diverse educational background, inspired AgriCarm. Born into a farming family, his connection to agriculture began early. "I have always understood the challenges faced by farmers because I saw them struggle," he shares. The name AgriCarm was inspired by Our Lady of Mount Carmel, reflecting Velasquez's deep-rooted values, faith, and commitment to helping as many farmers as possible.

After studying for two years at the Zamorano Pan-American Agricultural School, Velasquez faced a health setback that temporarily paused his studies. Not giving up, he pursued English as a second language at the University of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, before earning a bachelor's degree in plant sciences from the University of Florida in Gainesville.

The founder's education continued with a Master's in precision agriculture from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. He said his practical experience and advanced academic training provided the perfect foundation for developing AgriCarm.

"Every time I walk through a field, I see dreams waiting to grow. I have spent my whole life learning about the land to understand my purpose. With AgriCarm, I am pouring my heart into creating a tool to lift farmers left behind by technology. I want to give every farmer the power to nurture their land and feed their communities, no matter how small their plot," Velasquez shares.

The State of Small-Scale Farming

Small-scale farming, the foundation of global food production, encounters numerous obstacles in the current climate. Farmers continuously deal with a network of variables that affect their livelihoods, from erratic weather patterns to market instability. The demand for technological solutions has reached an all-time high as conventional farming methods struggle to meet the needs of a growing population and changing climate.

Precise farming has become a potential answer to these challenges, allowing farmers to maximize their resources and yields. However, the substantial costs associated with many precise farming technologies have made them inaccessible to many small-scale farmers.

This digital divide threatens to widen the disparity between large industrial farms and smaller operations, potentially forcing many farmers out of the market.

AgriCarm acknowledges these challenges and positions itself as a link between traditional farming practices and state-of-the-art agricultural technology. It democratizes access to advanced agricultural techniques and empowers farmers to compete in an increasingly technology-driven industry by providing a range of precise farming tools at an affordable price.

AgriCarm's Automated Emergence Stage Tool

Central to AgriCarm is its automated emergence stage tool, a feature that changes how farmers monitor and manage the early stages of crop development. This tool uses advanced image recognition technology to evaluate plant density and uniformity as crops emerge after planting.

"We help farmers identify areas of low germination by delivering real-time data on crop establishment," shares the founder.

AgriCarm's automated emergence stage tool also provides tailored recommendations for targeted interventions, enabling farmers to address issues promptly and effectively. This proactive method of crop management can substantially improve overall yield and reduce waste, making it an essential asset for farmers aiming to optimize their operations.

Cultivating Knowledge: AgriCarm's In-App Educational Modules

AgriCarm also functions as an educational platform for farmers seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills. The app features a set of in-app educational modules covering a wide range of topics essential to modern farming practices. From soil analysis and crop monitoring to nutrient management and precise farming techniques, these modules offer farmers a wealth of information at their fingertips.

AgriCarm's educational method stands out because it emphasizes practical, applicable knowledge. The modules discuss theoretical understanding and real-world application, allowing farmers to implement immediately their newly acquired knowledge.

This hands-on learning strategy mainly benefits farmers needing access to formal agricultural education or extension services. The company also offers online courses led by precise farming experts, focusing on the use of technology and best agronomic practices.

Precision on a Budget

Cost has been one of the most significant barriers to adopting precise farming technologies. AgriCarm tackles this challenge directly with its inventive freemium model, making advanced agricultural technology accessible to farmers of all scales. The basic version of the app is free to use, allowing even farmers with limited resources to benefit from essential, precise farming tools.

This levels the playing field for farmers. "We help farmers experience the benefits of precise farming firsthand, potentially leading to increased adoption of more advanced technologies as their operations grow and develop," explains Velasquez.

AgriCarm has premium features as paid options for those seeking more advanced capabilities. This tiered offer allows farmers to invest in additional tools and services as their needs and resources expand. The flexibility of this model enables AgriCarm to grow alongside the farmers it serves, providing scalable solutions for operations of all sizes.

From Soil to Screen

AgriCarm's dedication to comprehensive, precise farming is evident in its integration of global positioning system (GPS) functionality and soil data analysis, which enables farmers to create digital maps of their fields.

"This gives them a visual representation of soil studies and other data points. The result? Unprecedented level of insight into their land," shares Velasquez.

Additionally, the integration feature enables optimized input application, making variable rate technology accessible even to farmers with limited resources. The ability to precisely target inputs based on specific soil conditions and GPS locations can substantially improve crop yields. For farmers, this can determine the difference between a profitable season and a loss.

Moreover, AgriCarm's soil data and GPS integration improve long-term planning and decision-making. Farmers can use this data to track changes in soil health over time, identify trends in crop performance across different areas of their fields, and make informed decisions about crop rotation, fertilization strategies, and other critical aspects of farm management.

When farmers use AgriCarm's GPS and soil data integration, it is like seeing their land with new eyes. Fields they have walked for decades suddenly reveal hidden patterns and potential.

The app will also assist farmers in managing their farms by providing detailed analyses of farm operations and individual fields. Additionally, it will enable farmers to project future yields based on collected data. Farmers can also input information about their equipment, such as tractors, including details like fuel consumption and operating hours. The app will analyze this data to provide insights into equipment performance, helping farmers identify areas for efficiency improvements and better maintenance practices. Furthermore, the app will offer tools to support financial management, helping farmers optimize the economic aspects of their operations.

How AgriCarm Empowers Farmers with Real-Time Insights

Timely information plays a significant role in agriculture. AgriCarm equips farmers with real-time insights to make data-driven decisions that can impact their operations. Collecting and analyzing data from various sources, including soil sensors, weather stations, and satellite imagery, gives farmers a better view of their farm's current state and potential future scenarios.

AgriCarm's real-time insights cover many factors, from soil moisture and nutrient content to pest infestation patterns and weather forecasts.

"Through accessing this information in real-time, farmers can respond quickly to changing conditions and adjust their strategies to mitigate risks and capitalize on opportunities," Velasquez raves, adding that this agility particularly benefits small-scale farmers who may lack the resources to absorb significant losses due to unforeseen circumstances.

Furthermore, the app's ability to store and analyze historical data allows farmers to identify long-term trends and patterns, informing strategic planning and investment decisions. This builds resilience in an unpredictable agricultural space.

The upcoming launch of the AgriCarm app truly inspires change in the agricultural sector, leveling the playing field in an industry often dominated by large-scale operations.

"I have seen the worry in a farmer's eyes when faced with unpredictable weather or changing markets. But I have also seen the spark of joy when they realize they have the power to make smarter choices for their land. This app will allow every farmer to thrive," Velasquez concludes.