What Is the Future of Agricultural Technology?

By Emily Folk

Some principles of agriculture have stayed the same since the beginning of time. For example, a crop isn't likely to achieve high yields if a farmer grows it under the wrong conditions. Another thing farmers know is that all their expertise can't necessarily compensate for the times when Mother Nature throws curveballs in the form of things like adverse weather conditions and livestock epidemics.

However, the agricultural technology industry could remove many unknown factors associated with making a living as a farmer or rancher. It could also change factors like crop analysis and formerly manual tasks.

Precision Agriculture Is Set to Improve Growing Seasons

Precision agriculture is a field of study concerned with monitoring and adapting to the changing conditions of crops. It could make farmers more in tune with what's happening on their land and able to respond to it in near real-time. Before precision agriculture existed, farming professionals usually identified problems with periodic spot checks. However, those often missed significant issues, especially when farmers managed huge parcels of land.

Some precision agriculture tools that are available now or in development can track the accuracy of seed planting machines or let a farmer know how well different varieties of seeds perform under particular conditions. Having information available at their fingertips enables users to make smarter decisions that could impact the future prosperity of their farms.

Researchers at the University of Illinois even came up with a method of using seasonal forecasts and satellite data to predict corn yields better than previously trusted methods. The team utilized a supercomputer to facilitate that achievement, so farmers can't replicate the approach. However, if they use commercially sold precision agriculture tools that give them information almost instantly, it's easier to make changes that could lead to successful seasons.

There's no way to predict the future with exact accuracy. However, many precision agriculture tools rely on data collection and analysis, letting users efficiently draw conclusions they might not otherwise reach.

Artificial Intelligence Cuts Down on Human Labor

Artificial intelligence (AI) will also factor into the future of agriculture. It excels at spotting patterns quickly when previous efforts might have required months of effort from dedicated experts. Often, that pattern detection gets directly applied to problem-solving, such as to diagnose plant diseases or improve breeding techniques.

Machine learning, a subset of AI, also shows significant promise in the agricultural sector. It features algorithms that get more intelligent over time. One machine learning application that works well in farming relates to inspections of things like produce. Automated sorting offers a more sophisticated level of analysis than manual methods. It keeps quality levels high while making processes more efficient.

Also, farmers in China are investing AI to improve operations on gigantic pig farms. The technology can reportedly improve bovine health by listening to sounds like squeals and coughs that may indicate distress.
Solutions like the ones described here don't take people out of the picture, but they can make things easier for workers. Some options give instant notifications of issues, letting employees prioritize their efforts.

Drones Will Boost Visibility

Drones were once a niche technology, but now, everyone from amateur photographers to shipping companies are seeing if the flying vehicles could streamline their tasks. It's not surprising, then, that the farming community is also interested in the potential of drones. Several applications are in the works, such as using them to spray pesticides with less drift or to detect invasive pests on rural farms.

The future of drones may include overcoming some obstacles. For example, some birds of prey like to attack drones. That problem could negatively impact a farmer's return on investment. Government regulations may also restrict drone usage for some purposes. Even so, those things should not discourage farmers and ranchers from seeing how drones might help them more effectively stay aware of what's happening on their properties.

Apps Will Keep Providing Need-to-Know Information

Today's smartphones are so powerful that they can offer specific details in seconds. Farming apps exist to help with everything from spreading fertilizer to managing a herd. They can also help users keep up with trends, such as changes in beef prices or how an upcoming hurricane season might affect a farm's profits.
Many apps will also sync with some of the technologies mentioned here. For example, if a farmer uses a drone for field monitoring, it may be possible to pull up relevant images on a smartphone rather than taking time to go to a computer.

Technology Facilitates What's Ahead for Farming

The examples here show that technology is now firmly integrated into the farming sector. The results are not always immediately positive, but it's worthwhile for agricultural professionals to see what their options are, then consider pursuing them.

About the author: Emily is a sustainability writer and avid gardener. You can read more of her work on her site, Conservation Folks, where she writes about helping tomorrow’s planet today.