5 Ways Farmers are Modernizing Their Operations
The agricultural industry is evolving at a breakneck speed. In 2022, more than 5,000 AI-related patent applications were filed worldwide in the agriculture industry alone. This data evolution is occurring, in part, to keep up with the need for ever-increasing need for on-farm efficiency. The agricultural industry is tasked with growing more with less. Today, one U.S. farm feeds 166 people annually. Yet, population growth is expected to exceed 2 billion people by 2050, which means the world’s farmers will have to grow 70% more food with essentially the same land and resources.
With that said, though, it’s not out of a sense of philanthropic need to feed the world farmers are modernizing. Farmers are modernizing because implementing agricultural technology leads to increased efficiencies, more sustainable operations, competitive marketing, and improved profitability. And in the long run, those things will result in more productive farmers and sustainable supply chains to feed the growing population.
Here are a few ways the American farmer is modernizing.
Precision Agriculture
Precision agriculture or precision farming is a management style focusing on accurate and controlled farming. The fundamental tenant of this approach is using information technology and on-farm data to make informed decisions. The data is collected from GPS guidance, control systems, sensors, robotics, drones, autonomous vehicles, variable rate technology, GPS-based soil sampling, automated hardware, telematics, and software – to name a few.
Grouping data sets collected from these systems help farmers optimize inputs like water and fertilizers. Data analytics can aid farmers in monitoring crops and animals and detecting issues like pests and diseases at an early stage. Precision agriculture technology has enabled farmers to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and promote sustainability – growing more with less.
Upgraded Equipment
Upgrades to farm equipment design and function are occurring almost as fast as data technology– just check out the autonomous equipment entering the market. Modern farm equipment is safer, more efficient, and requires fewer people. It’s not just autonomous equipment we are talking about here. Newer equipment is often more efficient, uses less fuel, and requires less maintenance than older models. Upgrading equipment can also improve the accuracy and speed of operations, reducing labor costs and increasing productivity.
Improve Management Practices
Farmers can reduce costs and increase productivity by improving management practices while minimizing environmental impact. Enhancing management practices involves identifying areas of the operation that can be optimized and implementing changes to increase efficiency and profitability. This could include improving crop rotation strategies, implementing preventative pest management techniques, or optimizing grazing patterns for livestock.
Use Agriculture Data Analytics
Data analytics involves collecting data from various sources, analyzing it, and using insights to make informed decisions. Using data analytics is a critical component of modernizing a farm. Farmers can use data analytics in many ways, including:
Yield Mapping: Yield mapping involves using GPS and other technologies to track crop yields across a field. By analyzing yield maps, farmers can identify areas of the field that are underperforming and make adjustments to improve yields.
Weather Forecasting: Weather forecasting involves using data analytics to predict weather patterns and anticipate weather-related risks. By using weather forecasting, farmers can prepare for adverse weather conditions, reducing crop damage and losses.
Soil Analysis: Soil analysis involves collecting and analyzing soil samples to identify nutrient deficiencies, pH imbalances, and other issues affecting crop health. Farmers can optimize fertilizer and irrigation practices using soil analysis, improving yields and profitability.
Livestock Management: Data analytics can also be used for livestock management, including monitoring feed rations, tracking animal health, and optimizing breeding programs. By using data analytics, farmers can improve animal health and productivity while minimizing costs.
Embrace Sustainability
Embracing sustainability is another way to modernize a farm. Sustainable farming practices involve minimizing environmental impact, reducing waste, and conserving natural resources. Sustainable practices can also improve the farm's profitability by reducing input costs and improving productivity. Sustainable farming practices include crop rotation, cover cropping, integrated pest management, and conservation tillage.
