Valtra Smart Farming Technology Proven to Reduce Operator Stress and Improve Comfort During Fieldwork
Valtra is continuously looking to make farmers’ lives easier, more sustainable, and efficient with cutting-edge technology
Valtra is known for its customer-centric approach. The incredibly well-laid-out tractor driver’s workplace and easy-to-use technology solutions are the most obvious places where this commitment shows. Valtra has now taken a step even further: how does the farmer’s body actually react to getting help from technology?
A recent study provides the answer. In 2022 Valtra started a collaborative field study with Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences, JAMK, with the intention to study the benefits of Valtra smart farming solutions in real field conditions. The findings reveal that Valtra smart farming technology not only improves efficiency but also significantly enhances operator well-being during fieldwork.
There is a strong link between well-being and efficiency
Employees who feel their work is meaningful and manageable generally perform better. Workplace wellbeing boosts motivation, commitment, and creativity — which in turn improves both efficiency and productivity. Valtra’s smart farming technology supports this by reducing stress and physical strain during demanding field operations.
One of the most pressing challenges for farmers today is the availability of skilled staff. Valtra smart farming helps address this issue by ensuring the operator environment is as safe, intuitive, and appealing as possible. By reducing workload and stress, smart farming makes the job more attractive and sustainable for operators, supporting long-term workforce retention.
Empirical Study Setting
The study was carried out using a Valtra N175 Direct CVT tractor equipped with the Technology PRO X package, which includes:
- Automated Steering
- Automated Headland Turn
- Automated Implement Control (Headland Management)
- Section Control
The implement used was a modern seed drill. The driver was equipped with a high-precision heart rate monitoring system. The person was monitored 1 week in advance and 1 week after the test to get accurate data from the field work. The field conditions were mixed soil types ranging from clay to sand, ensuring realistic and varied working environments.
Key results from the study
- Stress levels were 13% lower when using Valtra smart farming technologies, compared to manual driving.
- Average heart rate dropped to 68 bpm with smart farming, versus 77 bpm without.
- Heart rate stability improved significantly, indicating reduced physical and mental strain.
These insights confirm that Valtra smart farming technologies reduce workload and promote a healthier, more comfortable working environment for farmers. By automating key driving tasks and optimising field operations, smart farming allows operators to focus on the job without unnecessary stress.
"At Valtra, we believe technology should serve the people who use it," said technology Product Specialist, Valtra EME, Johan Grotell. "This study indicates that smart farming not only boosts productivity but also supports the health and comfort of our customers in the field. We will continue collecting more material with different work scenarios to further deepen our understanding on the topic."
Valtra continues to lead the way in smart agricultural solutions, combining innovation with operator-centric design to create a better working environment for farmers worldwide. See the latest innovations at Agritechnica, hall 20, stand A40, between the 09th and 15th of November 2025.
