As agribusinesses become more data-driven, technology decisions are no longer optional—they are essential to staying competitive. Yet many companies face a fundamental question: Should we build our own technology stack or buy a solution that’s already developed?
This is a decision that industries like finance and healthcare have grappled with for years, but in agriculture, the stakes are different. The need for real-time insights, scalable infrastructure, and seamless integration with farm-level operations makes this choice even more complex. Let’s break it down.
The Case for Building: Customization Comes at a Cost
Building an in-house technology stack from the ground up gives agribusinesses full control over features, design, and functionality. It allows for a custom fit—ensuring that systems meet specific agronomic, regulatory, and operational needs.
✅ When Building Makes Sense
Some of the biggest names in agriculture have invested heavily in custom-built platforms to gain a competitive advantage. Large grain merchandisers and ag retailers often develop their own ERP or farm management systems because their needs are highly specialized.
For companies with:
- Unique data requirements that off-the-shelf software may not support
- Long-term investment capacity to maintain and update systems
- Internal IT expertise with the ability to scale development
Building might be the right call. But it comes at a cost—both financially and in terms of time-to-market.
The Challenges of Building
- Time & Talent – Custom software development takes years, and hiring ag-tech-savvy developers isn’t easy.
- Maintenance & Security – Updates, cybersecurity, compliance, and API integrations all require ongoing attention.
- Scalability Risks – As agribusiness needs evolve, technology must keep up—what works today may be outdated in five years.
Building is not just a one-time expense—it’s a long-term commitment to development, upgrades, and system management.
The Case for Buying: Faster, Scalable, and More Cost-Effective
For many agribusinesses, the buy option is more practical. Instead of developing proprietary software, companies adopt proven, market-ready solutions—often with managed services included.
When Buying Makes Sense
- Need to Scale Quickly – No long development cycles, just plug-and-play solutions.
- Limited IT Resources – Not every company can afford an in-house development team.
- Integration with Existing Systems – Many modern ag-tech solutions already connect to equipment, farm data platforms, and supply chain tools.
Leading agricultural companies have adopted a mix of proprietary technology and external partnerships to strike a balance. Even the largest ag players don’t always build from scratch—instead, they integrate best-in-class solutions.
The Challenges of Buying
- Customization Limits – Some solutions may not align 100% with unique business processes.
- Dependence on Vendors – Relying on third-party providers means trusting them for updates, security, and long-term support.
- Integration Concerns – Not all systems play well together, requiring careful selection of tech partners.
While buying accelerates adoption, it does require due diligence in selecting a provider that aligns with the company’s needs and growth plans.
The Third Option: Managed Services—The Best of Both Worlds?
For many agribusinesses, the best approach isn’t a binary choice between build or buy—it’s Managed Services.
Managed Services blend customization with scalability, allowing agribusinesses to deploy technology without the heavy lift of internal development. This approach:
✔ Reduces costs compared to full in-house development
✔ Provides expert support for maintenance, security, and updates
✔ Enables faster implementation with built-in integrations
✔ Allows for flexibility—custom features without the burden of full-scale software development
Final Thoughts: What’s Right for Your Business?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
The decision to build, buy, or use managed services depends on:
- How much control your business needs over its tech stack
- How quickly you need a solution deployed
- The budget and resources available for long-term support
Industries like finance and healthcare have shifted toward managed services to balance cost, speed, and innovation. Agriculture is heading in the same direction.
As technology adoption accelerates across the industry, finding the right strategy matters more than ever.
What’s your approach—Build? Buy? Consult with our team for a free assessment. We can help you identify the best technology solutions for your business. Visit FarmersEdge.ca or email partners@FarmersEdge.ca.
