How United Farms uses data to make better growing decisions

From collecting data to understanding the crop

The goal was not simply to collect more data, but to use it to better understand what was happening in the crop. “We are learning to focus much more on crop management data. We are taking advantage of the available energy to optimise crop conditions, always looking for the balance between the different elements.”

For Robert, this means understanding how available energy and light are converted into photosynthesis, how humidity can be optimised, and how crop development can be accelerated while maintaining the right balance between temperature and radiation. By looking at these factors together, rather than as separate parameters, the growers can better understand how the crop responds to their strategy.

Turning historical data into a growing strategy

As part of the process, crop management data from previous years was analysed to identify opportunities for improvement. This historical data was then used to develop crop- and greenhouse-specific growing strategies.

Growers were also trained in crop registration and the practical application of the Plant Empowerment concept. Dashboards were created to help both growers and the head grower monitor crop performance against predefined target values. This makes it easier to see not only what is happening in the greenhouse, but also why.

Knowing what to look for

For grower Or Weiss, applying the Plant Empowerment concept has changed the way he analyses crop performance. “Once you learn the Plant Empowerment concept by applying it, you know which values you are looking for and which ones help you achieve the different balances.”

He uses MyLetsGrow to compare performance over time and quickly identify whether key parameters remain within their target ranges. “I can compare yesterday with today, determine the parameters I am looking for and quickly spot whether I am still within the acceptable range. Then I analyse why I am within or outside that range.”

More transparency across multiple locations

By connecting multiple locations in one platform and working with shared target values, United Farms has gained greater transparency across its greenhouses. Management can follow crop performance across locations, while growers have the tools to analyse deviations and understand the reasons behind them.

The result is a more structured, data-driven way of growing, where historical data, crop registration and daily greenhouse data come together to support better decisions.