Dataväxt Delivers Technology That Drives Growth

Dataväxt is today a leading company in its industry, supplying products such as Trimble autosteering systems, the CropPLAN crop management software, and a wide range of other digital solutions to Swedish agriculture. It all began around 30 years ago, when farmer Torbjörn Djupmarker in Grästorp developed his own computer system to gain better control over his crops and farm operations.

It was at Hedåkers Säteri in the municipality of Grästorp that it all began. And it is on the very same farm that the company is still based today. Over the nearly thirty years since the company was founded, it has grown from a small family business into a well-known company among Sweden’s farmers. The company employs just over 40 people. Most are based at the head office in Grästorp, but there are also employees located across Sweden, as well as a few in Norway and Finland.

Hedåkers Säteri remains an active farm, and there is a clear connection between the farm and the software solutions developed by the company. Kenneth Wilson, Head of Communications, believes this is one of the company’s strengths.

"We are based on a farm, and we understand farming. That connection is extremely important to us. We see the crops growing and smell spring in the air when the fields are being fertilized. In the mornings, we have breakfast with the people who work on the farm and hear their thoughts and experiences. It's like meeting our customers every day and discussing development directly with them. And if something isn't working as it should, we hear about it right away!"

Rapid Development

Dataväxt began as a system for planning and monitoring crop cultivation. Today, the software has evolved and been expanded with a wide range of functions. This allows the systems to be adapted to the needs of different farmers. Agriculture is undergoing rapid technological development, and farmers have significant opportunities to improve efficiency. The Dataväxt app makes much of this information accessible wherever you are, eliminating the need to go into an office and use a computer.

One of Dataväxt’s best-known solutions is its autosteering system, which allows tractors and other machinery to be guided via satellite.

"With the help of GPS technology, it is possible to be very precise in how you drive and, for example, apply crop protection products. The technology is highly accurate and can switch off individual nozzles so that crop protection products are only applied where needed, such as when driving along the edge of a field or passing a well. This reduces the use of crop protection products, which is beneficial both economically and environmentally, since nothing intended for a specific field ends up outside it," Kenneth explains.

An Essential Industry

Kenneth has worked at Dataväxt for nearly three years. He has a diverse background, having worked as a vehicle builder, software developer, and most recently as a communications specialist in the energy sector. In his current role, he benefits greatly from his interest in technology.

"Before joining Dataväxt, I didn’t realize just how much technology was involved, but I was very wrong about that! Agriculture is incredibly complex. As a farmer, you need project management skills, be able to work with advanced technology, and at the same time have extensive knowledge of crops and cultivation."

Kenneth also sees similarities between agriculture and the energy sector.

"I’m motivated by working with things that feel important on a larger scale. Agriculture is an essential industry that creates significant value for society. It feels good to work for a company that can make a positive difference in such an important sector."

Living and Thriving in Grästorp

"I moved to Grästorp 17 years ago and I really enjoy living here. It’s a place with a strong sense of community and close connections to both people and nature, which I truly appreciate. Even though a small municipality may not have everything, it has everything you need to make everyday life work. We have restaurants, a café, grocery stores, a shoe shop, a hardware store, a clothing store, a builders’ merchant, a store for alcoholic beverages (Systembolaget), and a petrol station that also rents out equipment, which is incredibly useful!"

This text has been translated with the help of AI.