Gottfried PESSL Interview - METOS® by Pessl Instruments

The man of the hour

Gottfried Pessl – CEO and Founder of Pessl Instruments

In the ever-evolving world of agricultural technology, few names stand out as prominently as Gottfried Pessl. As the CEO and Founder of Pessl Instruments, Mr. Pessl has driven innovation in farming since 1984, turning a small startup into a global leader in smart farming solutions.

His dedication to advancing the field through continuous research and development has resulted in a comprehensive suite of products, including weather stations, soil moisture sensors, and pest management systems, all designed to provide real-time data and actionable insights to farmers around the world.

In this interview, we explore Mr. Pessl’s entrepreneurial journey, the challenges he’s faced, key achievements, and his vision for the future of agricultural technology. Join us as we learn from a leader whose work is transforming modern agriculture.

AS YOU LOOK BACK ON THE JOURNEY OF THE COMPANY, IS THERE A DECISION OR INITIATIVE THAT STANDS OUT AS THE ONE THAT PROVED TO BE A TURNING POINT FOR THE COMPANY’S SUCCESS?

“Definitely. The most significant decision we made was transitioning from a PC-connected device to a web-based FieldClimate platform back in the early 2000s. But it was not easy. There was considerable resistance within the company itself because, at that time, the web wasn’t as advanced as it is now. We had to contend with several limitations in graphics, performance, and data display speed. Despite these limitations, this shift proved to be the defining moment for our company. It required a leap of faith, but looking back, it was the decision that set us on the path to where we are today.”

HOW WAS THE IDEA OF ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING ACCEPTED AT THE BEGINNING? WERE THERE ANY NAY-SAYERS THAT YOU PROVED WRONG?

“The acceptance was not a problem. High-value crop farmers quickly recognized the value of weather data. The real issue was the cost. Back then, a weather station cost around 5000 EUR. However, farmers soon realized how important it was to have the data from the farm and fields. It also paid off very quickly because, with all that information, farmers could optimize their work with more precise application timing and run the tractor when spraying was actually needed, leading to cost savings.”

“There were skeptics, of course. Many conservative voices doubted this new technology and said things like “not doable”. Yet, the success in predicting diseases and enhancing farming efficiency proved them wrong. Today, nearly every professional farmer, especially those dealing with high-value crops, uses weather stations or has access to cooperative ones. The concept is now well accepted, though some farmers still remain resistant to change.”

WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT TRENDS SHAPING OUR INDUSTRY TODAY?

“This is not an easy question to answer, because of the multifaceted nature of our industry. One major trend is the demographic shift among farmers in Europe – they’re getting older, and younger generations are less familiar with the land’s nuances. They don’t know the land as well as the older farmers who have been farming it for 50 years. Also, younger farmers want different technology, which results in many uncertainties. The fact is, the land will not disappear, but the farmers will.

Automation is increasingly crucial, as seen in the rise of robotization of tractors, especially in high-value crops, vineyards, and orchards. This is already coming slowly but surely. Also, farmers are facing labor shortages on farms, which further drives this trend. Climate change is another significant driver. With weather extremes becoming more common, precise data gathering on soil moisture and other factors is essential. Integrating IoT, AI, and smarter software, such as ChatGPT, with advanced weather forecasting will help optimize farm operations 24/7. The future lies in a blend of automation, smart technology, and continuous data availability.“

IF YOU HAD A CHANCE TO DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN, BUT WITH ALL THE KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCES THAT YOU HAVE NOW, WOULD YOU DO ANYTHING DIFFERENTLY?

“I would do it in two years.”

To gain more insights from this enlightening interview and to learn more about the future of agricultural technology directly from Mr. Pessl, download the full interview now.

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