Technology

Farms today are high tech operations relying on multiple areas of technology, and ours is no exception to that. GPS guided equipment is almost standard and so is variable rate technology (VRT). Almost every nutrient and seed applied has a prescription that tells the equipment’s rate controller how much to apply and where to apply it in a field using geo-spatial data. New forms of technology are constantly being tested and evaluated with in our operation. Below are examples of the newest technology utilized that helps us be more efficient operators and better stewards to the environment.

Water MANAGEMENT

We are increasingly seeing the value of intense water management of crops. Under watering a crop results in reduced yields, while over watering results in higher input costs, nutrient leaching, equipment wear and tear, and negative environmental benefits. We’re using soil moisture probes and variable rate irrigation to maximize water and nutrient efficiency so we can produce the maximum yield from the lowest amount of inputs.

Wireless data

Nearly every piece of equipment has a tablet in it because there are several software apps we rely on to manage people and equipment. One of the most important features is cloud based data collection. Software on the tablet collects nutrient application, seed placement, yield data and more - all in real time. That data is then sent to the cloud via cellular connection, where it can be monitored remotely. Each application or pass across a field produces data, so we heavily rely on this software to collect information and store it safely so we can make accurate decisions on the fly throughout the growing season.

Telemetry

Most modern equipment is equipped with modems or modules that communicates location, activities, statistics and more - all through cellular signal. This is critical to track operation progress, efficiency and downtime, but also used to view and troubleshoot equipment codes and faults. It’s also a two way stream of data because not only does the machine send information, but it can also receive data, software updates, or field prescriptions.

Telemetry isn’t just for tractors either. It’s equipped on grain bins to transmit information about grain inventory temperature and used to remote control aeration fans. It can be found on center pivot irrigation to control and monitor irrigation progress. Functions include; starting, stopping, changing rate, direction and more, saving costly trips to the field. It can be found in semis to track delivery and route times to improve harvest logistics. Those soil moisture probes mentioned earlier, they have their own cell modems to transmit all their data wirelessly too.

This is the next generation of technology on the farm, also know as the Internet Of Things (IOT) - the interconnection via the Internet of computing devices embedded in everyday objects, enabling them to send and receive data.