What is precision farming and why is it important?One of the best (and briefest) definitions was given by Michigan State University's Fran Pierce: "...doing the right thing, at the right time, in the right place, in the right way." This applies to virtually every aspect of agriculture, from planting to harvest.
One example of precision farming is "yield monitoring." Yield monitoring uses sensors to measure the force of grain flow through the combine. Instantaneous readouts are generated which measure yield, moisture and speed, as well as totals by the bushel and by the acre.
With yield monitoring, you can measure variation within a single field. If parts of a field are producing anywhere from 10%-50% less than other areas, bringing those low yielding areas up to par will clearly impact your bottom line.
Another example is precision spraying. With precision spraying, you can control flow in the field. A computer reads the position of the sprayer, plots the position on a digitized map and determines the exact flow rate for fertilizer and water--all specific to the area you're spraying.
Precision farming can be taken a step farther by using the Global Sensing System (GPS), a series of 24 satellites hovering 11,000 miles above the earth. With GPS, you can further identify and track crop patterns.
Traditionally, farming decisions have had more to do with intuition than with hard data. Farmers have learned, through the extreme unpredictability of their profession, to be conservative and careful with anything other than experience. It wasn't until agriculture technology matured in the late 80s and early 90s that precision farming began to catch on. And there appears to be no pause in sight, with more and more farmers adopting precision farming every year.
Horvick Manufacturing is committed to the powerful benefits of these technologies. To learn more, take a closer look at the following products:
Global Positioning Systems
The foundation for hi-tech farming.Harvest Monitors
Accurately measure every aspect of your field.Sprayer Control Systems
Complete control over application of chemicals and fertilizer.Chemical Injection Systems
The ultimate in precise chemical application.For the modern farmer, precision farming represents a fundamental step forward. Now in addition to intuition and experience, you have the tools to turn precise data into precise knowledge. In other words, you have the best of both worlds, the combination of traditional wisdom and technological innovation.
And upon these two foundations lies the future of farming.
