The grain industry is undergoing a seismic shift as digital tools replace outdated manual processes. By embracing technology, agribusinesses can address inefficiencies, improve decision-making and build stronger relationships with producers. These innovations aren’t just modern conveniences — they’re becoming essential tools for navigating the industry’s future.
Digital scale tickets and e-signed contracts are among the most impactful changes.
"As for eliminating paper waste or repetitive tasks, the scale ticket is foundational,” said Tyler Bottoms, general manager of AgVision. “It’s almost table stakes now.”
From paper to digital: scale tickets and e-signatures
For years, paper scale tickets were the backbone of grain operations. But they came with challenges — delays in processing, errors in data entry and miscommunication between agribusinesses and producers. Digital scale tickets solve these issues, providing immediate updates on grain deliveries, grades and moisture levels.
Farmers now have instant access to their data, often while still in their trucks. This transparency fosters trust and encourages active collaboration. The integration of scale ticket data with contracts and reporting systems further streamlines operations, ensuring agribusinesses operate efficiently even during peak harvest periods.
E-signatures have also revolutionized the contracting process. In a fast-moving industry, waiting for a physical signature can cause costly delays. With e-signatures, contracts can be finalized remotely and securely in minutes.
“E-sign has become a substantial piece of the puzzle in our industry to solve timing and turnaround issues,” Bottoms said. “You need to get those grain contracts back, but unexpected things like papers blowing off the dashboard can cause problems. Digital fixes that.”
The shift to digital scale tickets and e-signatures saves time and enhances accuracy, reduces risk and improves customer satisfaction.
Real-time financial tracking a game-changer
Access to timely financial data is critical in an industry where margins are tight and markets change rapidly. Traditionally, agribusinesses relied on manual processes and legacy systems, which often meant waiting up to 24 hours for financial reports.
With real-time financial tracking tools, these delays are a thing of the past. Managers can now have instant insights into operational metrics such as grain deliveries, sales figures and profit centers.
“With dashboards accessible on your phone, managers can see the health of their business from the golf course, the office or anywhere,” said Keith Bangasser, lead business analyst, Levridge.
These tools also enhance productivity. Automating data collection and reporting allows employees to focus on higher-value tasks, like strategic planning or customer engagement. Moreover, real-time updates make it easier to identify trends quickly and address inefficiencies.
Modern systems include advanced visualization tools, such as charts, graphs and heat maps. These features transform raw data into actionable insights, empowering businesses to make better decisions in a fast-paced environment.
Integrated CRM and cloud connectivity
Customer relationship management (CRM) systems are playing an increasingly important role in modern grain operations. Unlike traditional CRM tools that operate in silos, today’s systems connect directly with operational and accounting data, creating a seamless flow of information.
"Employees want less clutter,” said Lacey Seibert, head of go-to-market at Bushel. “They don’t want eight different screens; they want more functionality in fewer systems.”
Integrated CRM systems offer a range of benefits, from real-time updates on contracts and payments to centralized data that eliminates redundancy. For producers, this transparency builds trust. For agribusinesses, it provides employees the tools they need to succeed in a streamlined work environment. Cloud connectivity further enhances these systems by making data accessible from anywhere.
"The younger generation wants data where they are," said Bangasser. "Cloud systems meet those expectations and ensure continuity even amidst workforce changes."
This accessibility is especially valuable during emergencies, as data stored in the cloud is safeguarded against physical disasters like fires or floods.
Preparing for the future with AI
While today’s digital tools are transformative, they also lay the groundwork for the next leap forward: artificial intelligence (AI). AI is poised to revolutionize grain operations by automating tasks, analyzing data and offering predictive insights.
AI’s potential is already being realized in areas like contract creation.
“You can tell ChatGPT, ‘Buy 50,000 bushels of corn from a specific farm for delivery in November,’ and AI will generate the contract with a pending status,” Bangasser said.
These capabilities go beyond efficiency. By leveraging AI, businesses can improve accuracy, reduce manual effort and accelerate workflows.
In customer service, AI can analyze data to provide tailored recommendations, making interactions more significant.
“We want interactions with growers to be meaningful,” Seibert said. “Let’s remove transactional conversations so we can focus on helping them grow and succeed."
Operational forecasting is another area of promise, as AI-driven tools can predict trends, optimize inventory and enhance financial planning.
“If your data is already in a cloud environment, AI tools can use it for forecasting and projections, making decision-making even faster and more precise,” Bottoms said.
Embracing digital transformation
The grain industry’s future is being shaped by digital tools that improve efficiency, enhance security, and deepen customer relationships. From paperless workflows to AI integration, these innovations are empowering agribusinesses to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving landscape.
As Seibert put it, "We want interactions with growers to be meaningful. Let’s remove transactional conversations so we can focus on helping them grow and succeed."
By investing in digital solutions today, agribusinesses are not only solving current challenges but also positioning themselves for success in the years to come.
