Precision agriculture technology has been evolving over the past decades, and farming has become more productive and efficient with the further implementation of artificial intelligence.
A 2023 study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture found only 27% of farms and ranches nationally used such precision agriculture practices, but the rate was around 40% in Michigan.
“Farming’s unique,” said Sandborn, who represents Ionia, Barry, Kent, Ottawa and Allegan counties on the organization’s board. “Everybody does things a little differently.”
One thing common among many farmers, according to Sandborn, is the struggle to find employees, “especially with this technology. It takes a certain level of knowledge to be able to run this equipment.”
One essential piece of technology Sandborn uses are tractors equipped with autonomy-based technology like sensors, radar and cameras. “Autonomy is the big thing,” he said.
Robotics also play a significant role when it comes to specialty crops and sorting through produce.
Autonomous technologies save labor as well as enabling farms to more efficiently perform daily tasks like tilling, spraying fields with herbicides and fertilizing with drones, according to Sandborn.
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Categories: Michigan, Equipment & Machinery