Farmers are the heart of this country. Without a strong farming community, our country would suffer and become too dependent on other nations for our basic needs. Technology drives most businesses today, and agriculture is no exception. To stay strong in farming, it takes more than just rich soil and lots of sun. It also takes innovations and advancements. Farmers use tech that supports and improves critical systems to stay competitive and limit the impact on the environment. Here are four ways that technology benefits farmers today.
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1. Irrigation Systems
One of the key factors of a farm’s success is the irrigation system. Incorporating a drip irrigation timer into this critical system is the best way to make use of today’s technology. This timer harnesses solar power as its energy source so it doesn’t need different types of electricity to work. The timer can be set on a schedule or controlled remotely and eliminates the need for you to manually manipulate the irrigation. The best part about this piece of technology is that you can control how much water is used and where it goes so that you can be precise. This kind of precision promotes cost containment, limits runoff and conserves natural resources. You have direct contact with how much water is used, where it is used and for how long.
2. GPS Technology
Before the invention of GPS technology, the best way to get ariel images of fields was from a plane. This could be dangerous and expensive, not to mention time-consuming. The images from GPS technology are an amazing advancement for agriculture because they give you a visual map of what is happening on your fields, where there are problems and what needs further attention without having to be in the field investigating. This technology supports precision farming by supplying the visual information needed to make the proper decisions for irrigation, harvesting and more. Valuable time is saved which leads to more efficient use of resources and energy. Farmers are constantly challenged to do more with less and GPS is an important tool you can use for success.
3. Robotic Innovations
Depending on the type of farming done, you can use robotic innovations for measuring the quality and quantity of water and air that your crops or animals are exposed to. Solar power can be chosen as a renewable energy source for these robots to further protect our natural resources. Processing, storage and production can also be assisted by robotic technology. This will increase efficiency, productivity and safety for animals and farmers. When these factors are controlled, costs can be controlled as well which keeps profits healthy and prices reasonable. Using robotic innovations like sensors and machines to control things as critical as storage takes the guesswork out of sustaining and maintaining crops and supplies.
4. Information Technology
The more informed you are the better choices you can make for your farm. Gathering information from sensors, utilizing software that organizes this data and being able to communicate electronically with staff and clients are crucial in today’s marketplace. All of these are done through information technology. It is important to be able to see patterns, predict outcomes and plan for the future. Data gathered through IT programs assist you in these tasks and help keep your farm active and healthy. Setting up an integrated network in which all of your data can converge makes it easier to have a complete picture to work with. Information technology also enables you to share reports or materials with clients or suppliers faster, which makes your day flow smoother. Good business is built on systems that make work faster, easier and cheaper, all of which great IT accomplishes.
Advancements in one area in this country benefit all of us. Technology developed by engineers that are then used by farmers to put food on the engineers’ tables shows how we are all connected and that what benefits one of us, benefits us all.
