Precision farming equipment has changed the way that Mike and Annie Dee Rivers (brother and sister) farm in Aliceville, AL according to a story in the Opelika-Auburn News.
For example they can farm at night now.
The guidance technology “sees” for the farmer when they can’t see for themselves, like at night or when the wind creates a dust bowl. Annie’s still in control, but John Fulton, an assistant professor of biosystems engineering and precision agriculture at Auburn University, said she doesn’t have to concentrate as hard to operate the 375-horsepower machine anymore.
Instead, all she has to do is keep it on the straight line provided for her on the GPS monitor in the cab, turn when it says to and unload when it says to.
The equipment they’re using is showing significant gains in productivity already and in some ways you may not at first think.
The GPS system in Mike’s John Deere sprayer remembers where the center of the plant bed was from last season so the tires cause compaction only on the same spot year after year. The delicate root zone remains untouched so plants can develop season after season, he said.
“We are asked to do more with every acre, every year,” Mike said. “With precision agriculture, we are trying to get the most out of every acre.”
With a better market and the advancements at the Dee River Ranch, Mike said they are seeing more profit this year. Their production goals are higher than ever.