AEM Releases Updated Report on the Benefits of Precision Agriculture in the United States

AEM, in collaboration with the American Farm Bureau Federation, American Soybean Association, CropLife America and National Corn Growers Association, announced the release of an updated study highlighting the wide-ranging benefits of precision agriculture across the United States. The new report, The Benefits of Precision Ag in the United States, published on AEM's Insights page, underscores how technology adoption on farms is improving yields, reducing inputs, and strengthening the resiliency of America's food supply chain.

The updated analysis expands on AEM's landmark 2020 study and provides quantifiable evidence of how farmers using precision ag technologies are achieving significant gains in productivity, input efficiency, and environmental stewardship.

Highlights from the updated study include:

• Yield Enhancements: Current adoption of precision agriculture has driven a 5 percent boost in annual crop production with an additional 6 percent potential gain if adoption increases further.
• Land-Sparing Benefits: Precision agriculture has helped avoid the cultivation of 11.4 million acres of cropland - an area comparable to five times the size of Yellowstone National Park.
• Economic Impact per Acre: U.S. farmers utilizing precision ag technology have reduced input costs while boosting overall productivity, contributing billions in efficiency gains to the farm economy.
• Food Security and Supply Stability: By enabling more efficient production, precision ag enhances resilience in the U.S. food supply chain and helps stabilize prices for consumers.

The study, released in August 2025, also introduces for the first time a targeted spray application case study. This emerging technology - still in its early adoption stages - promises 50-90 percent savings in herbicide volume (depending on application window) and rapid adoption growth across varying acreage scenarios.

"Farmers using precision ag technologies today are already reaping meaningful gains - and society as a whole benefit from healthier soils, more responsible water use and fewer emissions," said Curt Blades, AEM Senior Vice President of Agriculture Services & Forestry. "This report shows that if precision practices continue to scale, the impact could be extraordinary."

Megan Tanel, AEM President and CEO, added: "These findings offer a clear, data-driven case for advancing policies, investment and infrastructure that support precision agriculture. Precision ag is a story of progress and it's one we're proud to help tell."

The updated study is available now on AEM's Insights page.