A
step into the future
by
Becca Stephen, posted Sept. 19, 2007
There
is always new technology in agriculture that takes the profession
one step closer to the future. The latest improvement is precision
farming. It utilizes information technologies such as global
positioning systems (GPS) and geographic information system
software (GIS) to gather, store, view and analyze vast amounts
of data. The information is transformed into knowledge producers
use to better their farm management skills and crop production.
“Like
the earlier introductions of tractor power and mechanization,
and chemical fertilizers and pesticides, the application of
information technology to crop management will significantly
change methods of production and improve the efficiency of
the production system,” said Kenneth Sudduth, biological
engineering professor, in “Engineering Technologies
for Precision Farming,” a report on precision farming
technologies.
One
of the greatest benefits of precision farming is increased
profit through efficiency. With it, you can use farming inputs
more resourcefully. For example, it might be profitable to
reduce inputs in one part of the field, which would mean a
small sacrifice in yield but ultimately more profit.
Another
benefit of the technology is that it enables farmers to improve
their record keeping. Precision farming technology generates
large amounts of data that are records of inputs and outputs
for fields. This data can help producers create more accurate
management plans.
With
all the information precision farming provides, it enables
the farmer to make improved production decisions. Profit maps,
which show the spatial distribution of a field’s profitability,
can help producers make decisions about which cropping systems
work best.
“It
would be awesome if it was made affordable; I would use it
on my farm,” said Brenda Arnold, a freshman animal sciences
student.
The
cost of purchasing the equipment to start a precision farming
operation would be about $4,000. Though to offset the cost,
implement manufacturers are doing what they can to help. Currently,
John Deere has a sales promotion where a customer will receive
the AutoTrac ready option installed with the purchase of a
new tractor.
“This
promotion is to get customers excited about precision farming.
The tractor comes equipped with everything it needs to drive
itself at a great value,” said Brian Urwiller, a Horizon
Equipment salesman.
