Future technologies to improve agriculture

With the introduction of mechanization in agriculture, the process of large-scale farming was initiated. Today there are new technologies promising new uses and advances, giving new impetus to an age-old practice.


Modern farmers are faced with rising operating costs and a growing population that necessitate an increase in production while at the same time struggling with their costs.

The rising production costs are directly related to the rise in transportation costs and material shortages, which have been exacerbated in the current pandemic era the world is going through. The drastic reduction in the labor force has further increased the impact of rising costs, making it difficult for some farmers to meet their production quotas.

As many farmers are also under pressure to meet the increased demand for their goods while maintaining sustainability and customer satisfaction, they are looking for new ways to save costs and improve the functionality of their facilities. Fortunately, this is where future technology comes into play, offering a variety of solutions that are already being used with great success.
Solutions found in new technologies

The deployment of future technologies has expanded across most industries as manufacturers and consumers recognize the benefits of connected devices with the ability to transmit secure information remotely. It is the same in agriculture. Businesses have been developing new applications for telematics powered by the to create new solutions that harness the power of connection. Internet of Things (IoT)

The recently released FOX3 series telematics gateway has been used to improve machine efficiency on farms. These gateways are installed on farm equipment such as tractors, vehicles, and other large machines, while Bluetooth LE tags are attached to farm equipment such as plows, spreaders, harvesting, and chopper tools. The tag then sends data to the gateway, which can then be analyzed by producers and farmers.

This data is used to track the operation of the farming equipment, allowing the farmer to monitor the movement and location of the vehicle while controlling the driver and fuel consumption. The collected data is collated and made available remotely and securely to both the farmer and the machine manufacturer.






The advantages of the telematics installation are already visible

The use of future technologies in agriculture is already clearly recognizable, as farmers are seeing an increase in cost efficiency. With the ability to manage and track their equipment through an online system, the long-established use of paper logs is becoming obsolete as farm managers see the benefits of virtual data collection and more accurate field management.

On a larger scale, device manufacturers have leveraged the connectivity of IoT technology to enhance their products in a variety of ways. Applications will no doubt expand as more businesses and farmers begin to implement technology into their everyday functions.

The use of IoT technologies has already brought numerous benefits, including the following:


Cost reductions because multiple telemetry units are no longer needed on different devices, but only one unit on the most important machine, which can then communicate with the cloud.


An increase in intelligent data leads to faster decision-making as improved metrics are sent securely to both the device user and manufacturer.

The ability to generate customer usage data, such as B. Location and time frame of use, resulting in better management of rental equipment and inventory with an overall reduction in maintenance and spare parts costs.


Improved data management and data sharing between the customer and the manufacturer via a secure portal of the owner's choice.

More uses of technology to improve farming

While the opportunities through devices like the FOX3 Gateway are limitless, there are other new and exciting innovations in agriculture that are helping to improve the various functions of a farm, whether it's producing crops or livestock. The following are some of the ways technology is being used to increase production and efficiency on farms around the world:

Farm automation is a response to key issues such as labor shortages currently plaguing most industries by reducing the need for human interaction in some farming tasks. Drones and robots are being used to take on lighter everyday tasks, freeing up human resources to focus on tasks that require human intervention.

Drones are also being used to monitor crop health and apply chemicals, which has resulted in a safer work environment and also helps with limited labor availability. Infrared images are also exchanged with farmers to quickly resolve problems such as pests or drought and avoid costly crop damage.

Automating harvesting has long been a goal of farmers, but it has proven difficult as collecting the fruit without damaging it is very difficult to accomplish. However, new robotic technology has improved to the point where apples and strawberries can be harvested without damaging the fruit or causing bruises.





Ranchers have also started using future technologies to monitor and manage livestock. Increasing data collection is making this task much easier than ever before, giving farmers the opportunity to better care for their animals as nutritional technologies and genetics improve. This benefit is then passed on to the consumer as the quality of the harvested meat products improves.

   

In modern greenhouses today, thanks to LED lighting and automated technology, plants grow all year round, regardless of the season. This is another way for farmers to meet the increasing demand for local and nutritious food by extending their growing season and increasing production volumes. Automation is also a solution to the problem of labor shortages.

The future of agriculture lies in the future of technology

As farms become more technological, farmers are finding new ways to meet the challenges of their industry. While agriculture's origins date back to the early Egyptians in predynastic times, the problems it faces today are modern and require equally modern technologies.

The technology of the future has already been put into practice with impressive results, but as the technology adapts and improves, so will its applications. The promise of new solutions and innovations makes many farmers look forward to a future that, while unknown, is also unlimited.