The power of precision farming technology

At one time, farmers relied on experience, almanacs, and general common knowledge to best assess the management and planning of their crops. However, as technological advances continue, farmers now have a host of tools at their disposal to help them make informed decisions, reduce waste and yield a better product ... if they're willing to make the investment, timewise and financially.

That's where precision farming comes into play. It uses information technologies such as global positioning systems (GPS) and geographic information system software (GIS) to gather, store, view, and analyze data. This data can then be used to make decisions about farm management and crop production. You can determine crop-production problems caused by drainage, soil type, crop inputs, diseases, weeds, etc. With the information at your fingertips, you can take the steps necessary to correct these problems.

Rundown of Components

A variety of technologies are grouped under the heading "precision farming technology." Here is a look at the components and how they impact information gathering:

• Yield monitors -- Yield monitor usage is the first step many producers take in precision farming. A yield monitor, combined with GPS technology, is an electronic tool that collects data on crop performance for a given year. For example, the yield monitor for grain measures and records information such as grain flow, grain moisture, area covered, and location. Yields are automatically calculated. You can purchase yield monitors geared for other commodities like peanuts, cotton and beets.

• Global Positioning Systems -- GPS uses satellites and computers to determine positions anywhere on earth, 24 hours a day. When combined with yield monitors and mapping software, this technology can pinpoint wet spots on your land, areas of insect infestation, locations where farm machinery has failed, and the like. There are many types of GPS receivers, but handheld units designed for the average person are relatively affordable and effective for use with precision farming.

• Computer hardware and software -- The information gathered by GPS and yield monitors would be useless without the programs and systems that read and interpret the data. Computers and software can supply information to you in usable formats such as maps, graphs, charts or reports. Invest in a new computer and a high-quality color printer for map printing. Yield-mapping software can be purchased as part of an overall combination package, or it can be purchased separately for about $1,000 to $1,500.

• Field scouting -- Even amid all of this computer technology, field scouting -- heading out into your fields and taking soil samples and surveying land -- can be an invaluable tool in precision farming.

Affordability and profitability for you

For precision farming to be an effective and worthwhile expense, you must use the technology correctly and frequently. Rely on a consultant for instruction on how to use the software and tools to fit your local farming conditions. If you maximize low-cost information, you will see sizable results in the management of your farm and yield profitable results.