Precision Farming

Agriculture
Sectors	Rural Agriculture
Contact	Josh Seidemann
Topics	Agroforestry Conservation Agriculture Family Farming Organic Farming Permaculture Precision Farming Regenerative Agriculture Variable-Rate Technology
Activities Smart Data Monitoring Solution of Indoor Farms LATERAL.systems LLC, an AgTech startup, has developed the LATERAL Edge Platform, an edge-based monitoring system designed to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of commercial indoor farms. By continuously monitoring water quality and atmospheric conditions, the platform helps farmers detect and respond to potential imbalances before they cause significant crop damage, reducing waste and increasing yields. The system offers customizable Grow Profiles for various crops and provides real-time alerts, alarms, and actionable mediation options, making it particularly valuable for addressing the challenges faced by novice farm workers. Unlike cloud-based solutions, LATERAL’s edge-based approach ensures reliable data processing even in areas with limited internet connectivity, lowers operational costs, and improves data security. With its innovative tools, LATERAL aims to democratize access to smart monitoring solutions, support food security, and advance the growing indoor farming industry. Wireless Living Lab for Smart Agriculture and Rural Communities * Establish a wireless living lab at an Iowa State University research farm for cross-domain, cross-discipline research, education, and pilot of smart ag and rural connectivity solutions Work with wireless and agriculture research and education communities as well as potential rural communities in scaling the living lab software and hardware systems as well as services Press John Deere Fully Autonomous Tractor John Deere revealed a fully autonomous tractor that's ready for large-scale production. The machine combines Deere's 8R tractor, TruSet-enabled chisel plow, GPS guidance system, and new advanced technologies. The autonomous tractor will be available to farmers later this year. Monarch Electric Tractor Monarch Tractor, maker of the world’s first fully electric, driver-optional tractor. Monarch Tractor’s incorporation of robotics into our MK-V is yielding tremendous results for farmers. Autonomous capabilities that allow the tractor to drive itself to AI and machine learning that provide actionable intelligence for increased precision and efficiency in the fields, Monarch Tractor has become key in unlocking a profitable path forward toward more sustainable farming operations.

Authors

Precision farming is a type of smart agriculture that uses technology such as GPS, sensors, and mapping tools to gather data on soil conditions, weather patterns, and crop growth. This data can then be used to make more informed decisions about planting, fertilization, and harvesting. The goal of precision farming is to increase yields while minimizing waste and environmental impact by applying inputs such as seeds, fertilizer, and pesticides at the right time and in the right amount. Precision farming can also include the use of precision farming equipment such as auto-steer tractors, yield monitors and variable rate application equipment which helps farmers to apply inputs in a more precise and efficient way. Overall, precision farming is a data-driven approach to farming that uses technology to optimize crop production and improve efficiency.

Technologies

Precision farming uses a variety of technologies, including:

• Geographic Location Systems: These technologies are used to map fields and track equipment in real-time, allowing farmers to precisely plan and execute planting and harvesting operations.
• Sensor Technology: Various types of sensors, such as soil moisture sensors and crop sensors, are used to collect data on soil conditions and crop growth, which can then be used to optimize irrigation and fertilization.
• Drones and aerial imaging: Drones equipped with cameras and other sensors are used to gather detailed information on crop health and growth, as well as to survey fields for pests and diseases.
• Variable rate technology: This technology allows farmers to apply inputs (such as fertilizer, seed, and pesticides) at different rates across a field, based on data gathered by sensors and other technologies.
• Automation and robotics: Automated tractors, self-driving vehicles and other forms of automation and robotics are increasingly being used in precision farming, allowing farmers to more efficiently and effectively manage their operations.
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: AI and ML are increasingly being used to analyze the data generated by precision farming technologies, to help farmers make more informed decisions and optimize their operations.