The global population will reach 9.6 billion by 2050. This means the agricultural industry is feeling the pressure to increase food production. So what are we doing to make this happen?
Agricultural technology, or “AgTech,” is transforming the farming industry by applying the latest technologies invented to vital agricultural tasks. Read on to discover 2019’s technical farming updates and what it means for both producers and consumers.
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Top 5 Technical Farming Trends to Watch for in 2019
2019 is seeing the latest in technology advancements being applied to one of the world’s oldest industries. What’s new in AgTech this year? Here’s a list of the top five technical farming trends to look out for.
1. Using Biotech to Alter Plant DNA
After disrupting the healthcare industry, biotech is now being applied to important aspects of agricultural technology. It’s being used to test crops and alter plant DNA when needed.
How will this tech trend affect agriculture? Biotech will help produce a higher yield on crops by making them immune to plant diseases.
2. Soil and Water Sensors
A lot depends on the status of a crop’s soil and water, and today’s latest in technologies is making it possible to analyze the health of both elements. Sensors can be used to measure the nitrogen level and moisture level.
With this precise information, farmers can decide when to provide fertilizer and water. They can do this on an as-needed basis instead of a pre-determined schedule. This minimizes the use of resources while maximizing production.
Another benefit to this technical farming trend? Less fertilizer means fewer chemicals that go into groundwater and river water. This means it helps the producer, consumer, and the earth.
3. Agricultural Robots and Machinery
Agricultural robots can be used for tasks like planting, weeding, and soil maintenance. They can also help with irrigation and harvesting.
The major benefit of using agricultural robots is that they can stay consistent while processing. This reduces risks and maximizes productivity. Employers can cut down on labor costs and save time.
Equipment suppliers like kor-pak are also staying up-to-date with the parts needed to keep farming machinery running smoothly. As machines advance and production needs increase, farmers have to stay updated on the tools they need to function smoothly.
4. UAV Drones for Precision Farming
With the increasing demand in agricultural production, UAV drones are increasing efficiency by helping with critical tasks. They’re used for gathering and analyzing data, planting crops, and monitoring fields.
The average US farm size has increased since 2000. This means drones are needed now more than ever to cover every acreage of land. With demand increasing, UAV drones can help precisely manage a farm’s vital operations.
5. Crop Sensors
Keeping a crop protected is one of the most important aspects of production in the agricultural field. When insects attack a crop, farmers lose money and consumers have less food available to buy.
With crop sensors, today’s modern farmers can know when a crop is being damaged by insects. Sensors provide the data that tells them when to apply pesticides. This optimizes both the quality and quantity of production.
Stay Updated With AgTech
Automation in agriculture is helping farmers meet the increasing demands of food production while minimizing resources and cost. Tech tools are combining with scientific updates to bring the farming industry into a more modern (and hungry) age.
Want to stay updated on the industry’s newest trends? Check out our updated list of advancements in technical farming that will keep your business running smoothly.