Like many industries, technology is changing the ways farmers manage their operations. New developments in machinery, software and genetics are allowing farmers to have more control over how they plant and manage their crops.
One of the greatest innovations in farming technology today is the advent of precision agriculture technology. Today’s farm tractors have more computing power than the first space shuttle that went to the moon. From autopilot features to yield monitors to rate controllers, these new advances are helping farmers improve efficiency and maximize yield. Precise application of water, fertilizer and chemicals means less waste and less input costs. Learn more about how precision ag equipment is changing farming practices.
All of this data has to go somewhere, right? Big Data is the latest buzzword, and for good reason. This is going to change how farmers approach their work. Combines and tractors are tracking every inch of land, calculating soil type, seed placement, chemical application, etc. Software can then take this data and create personalized recommendations. Rather than making educated guesses, farmers can now lean on this hard data to make better, more informed crop decisions.
App developers and investors are also jumping on the big data bandwagon. From weather monitoring to pest identification to market data, farmers can find an app to help with almost anything. See our 10 agricultural apps for 2015 post for some ideas.
Another advancing area in agriculture is crop biotechnology. Seed companies are creating specialized seeds that can perform well in a surprising number of variables. Chemical companies are also focusing on using biological organisms to battle weeds and insects.
With these new advances in technology, it’s an exciting time to be in farming.
Looking for more ag-related Cenex content? Click here to read posts on everything from tractor hydraulic fluids to tractor fuel efficiency.