Author: Nancy Boterblom
Technology in tune with the seasons: A conversation with Grow Engineer Max de Groot
Modern agriculture is making increasing use of technologies such as autonomous drones, soil sensors and artificial intelligence. At the heart of these developments is Max de Groot (26). He works as a Grow Engineer at Van den Borne Groundcontrol and is also involved in digital innovation across the wider Van den Borne organisation. In his role, he shows what the agricultural sector has to offer young technical talent.
From farm campsite to digital agriculture
Max’s interest in agriculture began at a farm campsite, where he developed a fascination with cows and tractors as a child. At the age of thirteen, he took a part-time job on a dairy farm. It was there that he learned what it means to take responsibility for livestock.
Over time, his interest shifted from livestock farming to crop production, where he found satisfaction in monitoring and optimising natural processes.
“If you take care of something, it’s rewarding to see the results,” Max says. “You give a plant what it needs, it starts to grow, and when you come back three days later, it has doubled in size.”
That tangible sense of seeing the results of his work is what motivates him.
Data-driven farming in practice
The work of a modern engineer in agriculture extends far beyond the field itself. “Nine times out of ten, my work is computer-based,” Max explains. His work includes developing AI models, using machine learning to predict yields and designing digital decision-support systems.
At the same time, the field serves as a real-world testing environment. Van den Borne has its own ‘Agri Drone Port’, where new concepts and drones are tested. Max and his team are working on projects such as autonomous crop monitoring. “We can send a drone autonomously to investigate an anomaly in the field, allowing us to see what is happening from the office using the images it captures,” he explains. Add data from dozens of weather stations, soil moisture sensors and satellite imagery, and one thing becomes clear: data-driven farming is part of everyday practice here.
Working with the rhythm of nature
Why would a technical professional choose agriculture over sectors such as high-tech manufacturing or the automotive industry?
According to Max, the difference is not just the technology, but above all the environment in which you work.
“In other sectors, a lot revolves around fixed production processes. In agriculture, you work with nature. Sometimes that means you have to act quickly, while at other times you need to be patient. That variation is exactly what makes the work so rewarding for me.”
That does not mean the work is slow-paced. During the growing season, machinery can be running day and night, and everything has to happen at exactly the right moment. That is when reliable technology, smart software and high-quality data become essential.
Impact on the end product
The agricultural sector has a growing need for electrical engineers, software engineers and data specialists. Max stresses just how important their work is in practice.
“Without electrical engineering, we simply wouldn’t be able to store our potatoes properly. If the motors stop running, we can’t supply potatoes to the fries factory, and prices go up.”
According to Max, young technical professionals also have plenty of opportunities to develop new ideas and test innovations directly in practice. You become part of a much larger process and can see the results of your work every day.
“You can literally taste the difference your work makes in our fries,” he says with a smile.
Working on the agriculture of tomorrow
Agriculture faces major challenges. Water, soil, energy and other available resources need to be used more intelligently and efficiently. Technology has an increasingly important role to play, and the demand for technical talent continues to grow.
For students and young professionals at the start of their careers, Max therefore has a clear message: