The food world’s needs to be more efficient as the world’s population grows. This requires innovative technology to help farmers maximize crop yields and reduce environmental impact.
For instance, advanced technology helps them track application data and monitor crop growth trends and threats. This information can be shared with the entire team in real-time, centralizing it all on one device.
Mobile Record-Keeping
Traditionally, farming has relied heavily on outside factors like weather and soil conditions to gauge crop health. But the advent of technology is making it possible to bring farming into the modern era with an entirely new set of tools like Freightliner trucks for sale, making this age-old art form much more science-driven than ever. From self-driving tractors to GPS technology to robots, these innovations are making it possible to collect data that paints an entire picture of what is happening on the field at any given moment.
For example, sensors can capture real-time data about soil health, including nutrient richness and moisture content. Farmers can then use this information to improve their planting and irrigation techniques. This can lead to increased yields and less environmental impact.
Another potential application is tracking the health of livestock. Using chips and body sensors, herds can be monitored to prevent disease outbreaks and ensure animals are being fed appropriately. Combined with RFID and innovative feeder systems, these technologies can help reduce animal stress and improve farm productivity.
A global agricultural shift is needed as the world faces increasing demand for food and the threat of climate change. This will need to include a fair transition for workers in the sector and the development of less environmentally impactful options, such as plant-based or cultured meats. It is unlikely that any model can satisfy all these requirements, so a blend of solutions will likely be necessary.
Real-Time Data Collection
As the global demand for food grows—one estimate suggests a 60% increase by 2050—farmers must be as efficient and productive as possible. They must manage data on crop planning, animal health, weather patterns, compliance with chemical regulations, contracts, and more. This requires incredible information to be collected, stored, and analyzed in real time.
That’s where technology comes in. Modern farming is increasingly becoming a science-driven endeavor thanks to the power of connected devices. These technologies—drones, smart IoT, and 5G and edge solutions—offer high-speed connectivity with low latency to deliver the data science needed to improve farm operations.
For example, sensors placed in fields capture a constant stream of data about soil health and plant performance. This allows farmers to adjust fertilizer rates accordingly, maximizing yields and reducing waste. These devices are helping to transform agriculture into a more sustainable and profitable industry.
Other agricultural innovations use data to perform various menial tasks that would otherwise require human labor. For instance, robotic harvesters and autonomous tractors are improving the efficiency of crop cultivation by significantly lowering the margin for error. This allows farmers to spend more time with their families while reaping the benefits of increased output. Meanwhile, e-tags and chip implants enable farmers to monitor livestock health and detect illnesses early, preventing disease outbreaks and improving meat quality.
Precision Measurement
The ability to accurately track crop growth, weather patterns, animal health, and other factors can be critical for farmers. Traditional paper records often make keeping everyone on the same page challenging, but new technology can centralize and automate this data collection and management. This allows farms to grow vital crops, raise healthier animals, and stay up-to-date on the latest compliance rules and market trends.
Narrowband Internet of Things networks with ultra-low latency can support devices that need to communicate with each other in remote locations and provide mission-critical services for applications such as the monitoring of large fleets of machinery and tractors. These networks are expected to help reduce costs and enable ag-related IoT technologies in places where current 4G and 3G networks cannot.
John Deere is one of the leading players in this field, demonstrating that farming can benefit from seamlessly integrating modern tech into its operations. The company started with iconic green tractors and machinery but has since metamorphosed into a tech-centric entity that uses data analytics and IoT to enhance agricultural efficiency.
The Entrepreneurship Centre at Cambridge Judge Business School supports several ventures that aim to improve sustainability in agriculture to meet the needs of an increasing global population. These ventures range from nature-based solutions, like restoring ecosystems, to technologically driven approaches, such as developing less environmentally impactful options like plant-based or cultured meats.
