Expansive fields of crops are common sites in Nebraska. Behind every field there’s a specific science that focuses on the best way to plant, irrigate and harvest these crops.  Many farmers don’t have the proper equipment to yield the best results. This is where Nick Emanuel and CropMetrics come in.

Emanuel, a native of North Bend, Neb., worked for John Deere for two years developing of new technologies for various GPS systems. He returned to his family farm and founded CropMetrics in 2009.

“I was always about small business growing up on a farm and in college,” Emanuel said. “I saw a lot of potential for what I was developing.”

CropMetrics is located in North Bend that specializes in yield optimization technology. In other words, CropMetrics helps farmers develop efficient ways to irrigate crops and produce the highest growth from those crops.  CropMetrics maps out each acre and examines soil types, water and other variables. Once this is calculated, the farmer then knows the exact amount of fertilizer each area of land needs for the best crop yields.  Emanuel said using this system also conserves water usage.

Emanuel said using CropMetrics saves time and money for farmers. He also said it’s big for Nebraska because of the constant need for statewide water conservation in fields.

“This is the first technology that’s come out to help [farmers] conserve water use,” he said. “Besides the income potential, the conservation aspect is a huge deal.”

Emanuel developed an interactive program called Virtual Agronomist Pro that allows those using CropMetrics to monitor their progress.  CropMetrics is the only company nationwide to develop interactive software such as this.

Getting the word out about Emanuel’s business required several different methods including web marketing and visits to trade shows throughout the country.  Emanuel worked with Invest Nebraska, a company that helps local businesses get started.

Once established, the company created an advanced, interactive website that includes an online application for those interested in utilizing CropMetrics’ services.  This is another example of the interactivity Emanuel prides CropMetrics on having by providing more convenient services to its users.

Moisture probes (left) are used to measure a soil's moisture level and sends the data back to CropMetrics' web portal via the Crop Link unit (right).

Since the company was established last year, this harvest season will be the first year CropMetrics will see results from crops.

Emanuel said CropMetrics has weathered the recession fairly well because of the constant need for agriculture and technology.

“The Ag community has been doing better than most,” he said. “The main challenge was bringing something new to the market and trying to prove that it’s something worthwhile and worth the investment.

“If we continue to prove we are [a good investment to farmers], we will continue to move forward.”

The success of CropMetrics comes from the clear plan Emanuel established. He focused on one thing: yield optimization.  By pinpointing one area, he was able to gain a foundation for his business. Emanuel said small businesses can’t start from scratch without planning and implementing goals.

“Start with a business plan, know your goals and don’t run into it blind,” he said. “It helps you stay more focused from the beginning and you can continue to grow. People often try to do everything themselves.”

Check out the Invest Nebraska site for more on how they helped CropMetrics.