As digital technology becomes essential across modern farming, Oklahoma Farm Report’s Maci Carter caught up with John Deere’s Erin Jost to discuss how the Operations Center is empowering producers with clearer, faster insights. Jost described it as “our data hub for the farming operation,” where both agronomic and machine information flows together. Jost emphasized that this system helps producers “analyze that data, monitor what’s happening today and start to make better decisions for the future.”
Jost highlighted several new features released this year, noting that the platform continues to evolve alongside John Deere’s technology. One of the most impactful additions, she said, is Work Overview, which provides farmers “a one-stop shop where you can see how your operation is running at a glance.” She also pointed to the tech utilization dashboard, which helps growers understand productivity differences “when you have those technologies actually turned on versus when they’re off.”
With tight margins challenging crop producers, Jost explained how digital tools can guide acre-by-acre decision-making. By comparing plans versus applications versus yield, farmers can determine whether to stick with certain programs or “maybe tweak and make some changes… to try to get a better result.” She also noted that analyzing machine data—like idle time—helps identify opportunities to boost efficiency or adjust harvest logistics.
Automation remains one of the most powerful advantages of John Deere’s G5 Advanced License. Jost said tools like AutoPath eliminate the hassle of managing guidance lines by letting operators “hop in the cab, hit go, and we’ll give you that most efficient route through the field.” She added that AutoTrac Turn Automation and Machine Sync not only reduce operator workload but boost output, with producers seeing “up to an 8.3% increase in their productivity” when using these tools.
To maximize uptime, Jost underscored the value of connected machines and remote diagnostics. With a modem installed, producers can receive trouble codes proactively, and dealers can “troubleshoot right there on the phone… or even remote display access” to guide repairs. For farmers unsure about investing in digital tools, she encouraged simply trying it: “Your login to the Operation Center is free… once you’re streaming that data in, you can start to gain these insights right away.”
