Why is Cargill Deploying Private 5G Across its Sites?

Cargill's deployment of private 5G infrastructure across 50 global facilities represents a significant shift in how agricultural processing operations could approach connectivity and automation. The partnership with NTT DATA positions dedicated wireless networks as a cornerstone of the company's digital transformation, spanning large-scale agricultural processing plants and food manufacturing sites worldwide.

The initiative marks a transition from experimental trials to production-scale implementation in the private 5G sector. For Cargill, the challenge has centred on establishing secure and scalable connectivity across sites where conventional wired networks or Wi-Fi solutions prove insufficient for the demands of modern agricultural processing. NTT DATA's platform delivers dedicated spectrum and controlled coverage designed for complex industrial environments where traditional infrastructure struggles to maintain consistent performance.

The majority of installations are located in the United States, though sites in Europe and additional regions are being evaluated for deployment. Cargill has scheduled further facilities for completion throughout 2026 as part of its broader connected workplace strategy, with plans to integrate robotics across agricultural processing operations.

Dedicated networks for industrial environments

Private 5G networks differ fundamentally from public mobile services by operating exclusively for a single organisation, providing isolated capacity and enhanced security protocols. In agricultural processing environments characterised by heavy machinery and expansive outdoor areas, predictable low-latency connectivity could prove essential for operational efficiency.

As Cargill implements SAP enterprise resource planning systems across facilities, the private 5G infrastructure supports frontline workers equipped with smartphones and ruggedised tablets. The network also underpins automation and robotics deployments, both of which rely on continuous, low-latency communication between machines and control systems.

These applications demonstrate how features such as network slicing and edge integration could translate into measurable operational improvements. With private 5G serving as a foundation for multiple digital initiatives, the partnership reflects a broader trend across the agricultural sector where connectivity becomes embedded within application modernisation and automation strategies.

Robert Greiner, Director Platform Engineering for Customer, Commercial & Business Operations Digital Technology at Cargill, frames the initiative in strategic terms. He says: "Our work with NTT DATA is a true partnership, allowing us to confidently advance our global digital transformation strategy. Private 5G gives us a secure, scalable foundation to support connected workers, robotics and edge AI use cases across our operations."

The deployment demonstrates how private 5G infrastructure enables organisations to maintain control over network performance and security. Unlike public networks where capacity is shared across multiple users, dedicated networks provide guaranteed bandwidth and prioritised traffic management. This becomes particularly important in agricultural processing facilities where operational technology systems require consistent connectivity to maintain production schedules and safety protocols.

AI-powered robotics in agricultural facilities

The private 5G infrastructure enables advanced robotics and physical AI deployments across Cargill's operational environments. At a facility in Amsterdam, Cargill has deployed Spot the Dog, an AI-powered robot designed to enhance safety and operational efficiency within agricultural processing operations.

The robot automates visual inspections and monitors for hazards such as equipment overheating, operating in areas that could be hazardous or difficult for workers to access. These operations depend on resilient wireless coverage to transmit high-definition video and telemetry data in real time, illustrating the demands placed on network infrastructure in modern agricultural settings.

This deployment highlights a growing connection between radio access infrastructure and edge computing. Processing can occur close to the data source, reducing backhaul requirements whilst maintaining responsiveness for safety-critical tasks in agricultural environments.

Telecommunications capabilities now extend beyond bandwidth provision into integrated solutions combining radio, core, edge and application services.

Shahid Ahmed, Global Head of Edge Services, NTT DATA, Inc., positions connectivity as a prerequisite for industrial AI. He comments: "As manufacturing organisations expand the use of physical AI and intelligent automation, reliable and secure connectivity becomes foundational to digital transformation. Cargill is demonstrating how Private 5G can bring technology and operations together in environments where traditional networks fall short, while improving safety, agility and performance."

The integration of robotics with private 5G networks represents a shift in how agricultural processors approach workplace safety and operational monitoring. Autonomous systems can now operate continuously across facilities, providing real-time data that informs decision-making and enables predictive maintenance strategies. This combination of connectivity and automation creates opportunities for agricultural processors to enhance efficiency whilst reducing risks to human workers in challenging operational environments.

Evolution from pilot to production

NTT DATA introduced its enterprise private 5G platform in 2021. The Cargill programme demonstrates how initial deployments have evolved into multi-site implementation across continents, offering insights into how agricultural processors could approach connectivity challenges at scale.

For telecommunications providers, these integrations require tailored approaches. Agricultural and food processing customers require customised coverage planning, spectrum management, device certification and ongoing lifecycle support specific to their operational environments. Integration with enterprise systems such as SAP reinforces the role of telecoms providers as strategic partners rather than connectivity utilities.

With 50 sites operational and additional facilities planned, Cargill's rollout provides a reference point for how private 5G could operate at scale in agricultural processing and food manufacturing. The deployment illustrates how enterprise demand within the agricultural sector is reshaping telecommunications portfolios around dedicated networks, potentially transforming connectivity approaches across processing facilities globally.

The progression from pilot programmes to production-scale deployment reflects growing confidence in private 5G technology across industrial sectors. As more organisations implement dedicated networks, the ecosystem of supporting services, devices and applications continues to mature. This creates a reinforcing cycle where successful deployments validate the technology whilst expanding the range of use cases and operational benefits that can be achieved through private wireless infrastructure in agricultural processing environments.