In an interview with Farm Director KC Sheperd, Allen Hensley, Technical Sales Specialist at Streamline Ag, discussed the company’s approach to simplifying agricultural inputs, emphasizing a focus on data-driven, seed-centered strategies to maximize farmer profitability.
Company Mission and Approach
Streamline Ag is an independent, U.S.-owned input company operating in the biological and input space.
- Simplifying Inputs: Hensley notes that the market is saturated with “a lot of noise” surrounding biologicals and inputs, and Streamline Ag’s mission is to simplify that process for farmers.
- Seed-Driven Focus: Their core approach is enhancing the seed, as that is where the farmer makes their money. The company supports the seed from pre-plant through planting and into the season.
- Data-Driven Decisions: Streamline Ag is a data-driven company, relying on internal data to form conclusions and provide the best return on investment (ROI) to the farmer at the farm gate.
Onboarding and Farmer Goals
When a farmer approaches Streamline Ag, the first step is to establish the farmer’s specific goals:
- Goal Identification: Every farm has a different approach, plan, and ultimate goal. The company first determines what the farmer is looking for, such as:
- Increasing yield.
- Reducing input costs (a hot topic given current commodity prices).
- Improving nutrient use efficiency (reducing reliance on commercial fertilizer while maintaining or increasing yields).
- Customized Portfolio: Once the goal is established, Streamline Ag directs the farmer to the products in their portfolio that will bring the best ROI.
Excitement for New Technology and Growth
Looking ahead, the company is excited about new technologies coming in furrow application.
- Data Validation: Streamline Ag has seen phenomenal data sets for three years running, accumulating over 500 data points.
- Strong Results: The data shows phenomenal win rates and the ability for their technologies to successfully reduce input costs while maintaining or increasing yields.
Advice for Producers
Hensley offered direct advice to agricultural producers facing a constant barrage of sales pitches:
- Ask Questions: Farmers should not be afraid to be “leery” and ask tough questions.
- Beware of Simple Fixes: There is always someone walking through the door offering a “$5 solution” that promises to fix all problems.
- Utilize Experts: Hensley advises farmers to utilize companies like Streamline Ag, who can look at multiple products and technologies, as they have a robust pipeline and testing process. This helps guide the farmer on where to spend the time and money and stops the widespread confusion at the farm gate.
