My Take on the Future of Farming
I’ve been in the industry for over 20 years, and I’ve seen my fair share of trends come and go. But one thing that’s got me excited is the rise of ‘tech dense’ farms. As someone who’s worked with farmers and agricultural companies, I think it’s time to take a closer look at what this means for the future of farming.
A Lesson from the Past
I remember talking to a farmer who’d been in the business for over 30 years. He told me about the old days, when farming was a labor-intensive process that required hours of manual labor. It was a lot less efficient back then, and it’s amazing to see how far we’ve come. With the advent of new technology, farmers can now streamline their operations, reduce waste, and increase yields.
Crop Spraying: A Game Changer
Take crop spraying, for example. With software and remote cameras attached to tractors, farmers can kill weeds more efficiently than ever before. It’s a practice that every farmer has to do before planting seeds, and it’s amazing to see how technology has improved the process. Jake Leguee, a third-generation farmer in Saskatchewan, Canada, is a great example of this. He’s made several innovations on his farm, particularly when it comes to crop spraying, and it’s paid off in a big way.
The Return on Investment
So, what’s the return on investment for adding these new layers to farm operations? According to Leguee, it’s often high. He saves on pesticide spray since the nozzles only turn on when weeds are detected, as opposed to blanket spraying. And it’s not just about the money – it’s also about the environment. By reducing waste and using resources more efficiently, farmers can minimize their impact on the planet.
A Lesson for Farmers
Norah Lake, the owner and farmer at Vermont’s Sweetland Farms, is another great example of how technology is changing the game. She used to use Microsoft Excel to plug in figures for yields and compare them to previous years. But now, she’s using software and an app from a company called Tend to digitize and streamline those laborious tasks. It’s amazing to see how technology is making farming more efficient and effective.
The Future of Farming
So, what does the future hold for farming? I think it’s clear that ‘tech dense’ farms are the way forward. With the rise of new technologies and innovations, farmers can streamline their operations, reduce waste, and increase yields. It’s an exciting time for the industry, and I’m eager to see what the future holds.
