Precision Agriculture is an up-and-coming farm management model that relies on technological developments to facilitate crop management, production operations, and sales. By using technology to observe, measure, and respond to inter- and intra-field variability in crops, farmers are able to increase both their profits and their efficiency.

History and Satellite Technology

Also known as satellite farming, or site-specific crop management (SSCM), precision agriculture emerged in the 1990s as farmer’s began to use GPS technology to guide automatic tractors through a field. Now one of the most widespread concepts in precision agriculture, GPS Guidance Systems connect to a satellite system and steer the tractor automatically according to the given coordinates of a field. By relying on GPS coordinates rather than a driver’s memory, the system eliminates the occurrence of overlap passes in the field, which thus reduces wasted seed, fertilizer, fuel, and time, and increases farmer’s profits. 

Precision Agronomics

Precision farming relies on a variety of emerging technologies to help farmers take a whole-farm approach to their decision-making in the field. These technologies include:

• Variable Rate Technology (VRT) - A system that uses map-based, sensor-based, or manual softwares in order to allow farmers to control the amount of inputs applied in a specific location.

• Robotics & Drones

• GPS Guidance Control Systems & Autonomous Vehicles

• GPS Soil Sampling - Allows farmers to compare productivity differences within a field and consider soil solutions to increase crop yields and soil health.

• Computer-Based Applications - Software for personal computers or field computers may be used to map fields, track crop yields, and develop precise farm plans. 

• Remote Sensing Technology - Helps farmers determine factors that may be stressing crops under different conditions, as well as managing land, water, and fertilizer resources. 

Adopting a precision agronomic model is a multi-faceted economic approach to consider for farmers who hope to increase their efficiency, sustainability, and profit margins. By using technology to gather data about farm operations, farmers are able to take a whole-farm approach as they make decisions and determine future plans and goals.

Today, more than 50% of farmers use at least one precision farming technique or technology. Before you take the leap into the world of precision agriculture, consider which system(s) will best suit your operation. Decide which features are important to you, and research the systems that utilize these features. By spending the time to choose a precision agriculture system that can grow with you and your operation, you will soon be on your way to optimizing your crop yields, efficiency, and profits!

Learn more about agriculture GPS guidance app, precision agriculture benefits, and precision guidance systems.