From Drones to Dirt: 5 Ag Biz Trends

The biggest farming business trend of 2025 is the marriage between agriculture and technology to maximize resources from the front office to the back 40. At the same time, back-to-basics regenerative practices are also gaining ground, improving soil health, climate resilience and CO2 levels. So, where will ag go in 2026?

Agritech Platforms Streamline Office Time

The first ag management platforms got their start in the early 2000s and developed steadily as technology advanced. Now, they’re more robust than ever, using integrated technology to optimize all areas of production and financial technology — aka “fintech” — to streamline front-office functions. Digital payments allow growers to send or receive money in real time, while parametric insurance payouts, which are prearranged payments triggered by specific events or parameters, allow for rapid and transparent claims settlements. Some fintech providers offer innovative financing packages that bundle essential inputs and training, simplifying access to resources.

These do-it-all platforms are a trend that’s here to stay, according to AgriTech Tomorrow, which reports the global agritech platform market will see a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.5% between 2024 and 2032, thanks to increasing investment and development in the ag space.

Drones Enhance Farm Precision

It didn’t take long for drones to find their place in farming once they were approved for general use. Since then, tech innovations have made them increasingly capable and precise. Drones have progressed from scouting and field mapping to applying crop protection products, fertilizer and other inputs.

They also are becoming crop planters. Equipped with seed pod shooters capable of fast, precise seed distribution over large areas and difficult terrain, drones designed for the job plant grains and vegetables and can be customized for different seed types and sizes.

Online Learning for Farm Financials

For growers who need to implement or update their financial management practices, The Ohio State University has established Farm On, a 10-module online course to equip new and established farmers with financial, legal and risk management tools needed for a profitable and responsible farm business. Virtual lessons are taught by professors from Ohio State’s farm management program, who also offer live office hours via Zoom.

Farm On is offered in January and July, and completion of the course meets requirements for the U.S.D.A. Farm Service Agency’s Direct Farm Loan Programs and the Ohio House Bill 95 Beginning Farmer Tax Credit program.

Regenerative Practices Lead to Market Growth

Regenerative farming practices that help protect and improve soil, water, wildlife and pollinator habitats are not only popular, but essential to food production. No-till and cover cropping help protect and maintain soil, provide a significant carbon sink by sequestering atmospheric carbon, and can offset on-farm carbon emissions.

The global regenerative market was valued at $12.66 billion in 2024 and is expected to rise to $57.16 billion by 2033. North America held a 36.1% revenue share of the global market in 2024, according to data from Grand View Research.

Robotics and Automation for the Future of Farming

The availability and reliability of autonomous machines aren’t just for mega farms anymore. They’ve sparked a trend in midsized farming operations, too. Self-driving tractors, robotic planters and harvesters offer efficiency and 24/7 activity, while robotic fruit pickers fill labor gaps in specialty crops.

With the cost of labor rising, robotics and automation could be crucial to food system stability and the viability of American agriculture in this decade and beyond. The autonomous farm equipment market is forecast to grow at 15.8% CAGR from 2024 to 2032.