Cran Career Spotlight: Computer Science and Information Technology
Overview:
Data analysis and digital record keeping are essential tools in modern cranberry production. Today’s cranberry growers rely on precision agriculture, using real-time data, sensors, drones, GPS, and smart irrigation systems to make informed decisions that improve crop health, sustainability, and profitability. Many cranberry operations, including independent growers and cooperatives, are integrating advanced information technology to monitor everything from soil moisture levels and irrigation pumps to pest pressure and harvest timing.
Growers, consultants, and industry specialists use these insights to fine-tune management decisions to reduce waste, improve yields, and enhance environmental stewardship. Analysts in this space help transform raw field data into actionable strategies, often working with cross-functional teams that include growers, agronomists, engineers, and cooperative processors.
What responsibilities will I have:
Collect, manage, and analyze cranberry production data, such as water usage, nutrient applications, frost events, and yield results
Create dashboards, reports, and visualizations to help growers understand trends over time
Work with GPS, and remote sensing tools to support precision agriculture across cranberry beds
Collaborate with marsh managers and consultants to validate data and interpret field results
Summarize insights and recommend improvements to irrigation schedules, input applications, and harvest timing
Help integrate data from weather stations, drone mapping, pump engines, and tractor-mounted sensors
Lead IT projects that deliver better data accessibility and efficiency across cranberry operations
Assist with compliance reporting and digital record-keeping for food safety, sustainability certifications, and cooperative requirements
Identify opportunities to replicate successful technologies across different marshes or growing regions
Support the development and rollout of new ag tech tools tailored to cranberry systems
Work with grower associations or co-ops to align on best practices in digital agriculture
What education and training is required:
A bachelor’s degree in one of the following areas is typically required:
Information Technology or Computer Science
Precision Agriculture or Agronomic Data Analytics
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Agri-business with a technology emphasis
Experience or internships in agriculture, especially cranberry production, will give candidates an edge in understanding real-world applications of data in the field.
To Prepare in High School:
Recommended courses:
Agricultural education, especially plant science or ag business
Advanced mathematics and statistics
Computer programming and IT basics
Environmental science or earth systems
Where Can I Work?
Cranberry marsh or farm operations with precision ag systems
Cooperatives that manage large datasets across grower networks
Consulting firms with scouting and remote monitoring tools
Ag tech companies developing hardware/software solutions
University research and extension programs
GIS and drone service providers working with producers
