Precision Ag: FAQ
Sure, most of us have heard people talk about precision farming or precision agriculture, but what is it? The term ‘precision ag’ is a general term that refers to various forms of technology-aided farming. The idea of mixing more technology into farming practices can be a bit daunting if you don’t understand how it works. Our team at Eis Implement in Two Rivers, Wisconsin wants to help you have a better understanding of what precision farming is and how it can benefit your farm.
Frequently Asked Questions About Precision Ag
What is the purpose of precision agriculture?
The goal behind precision agriculture is to get more output per input while maintaining and improving the quality and health of the land. So in practice, it means getting more out of your land for the amount of time and money you put into it. Precision agriculture is all about honing in on efficiency, productivity, and sustainability.
How can I use precision farming?
There are numerous forms of precision farming options. There are systems that are as simple as just showing you what areas of the field you have already covered all the way to systems that fully automate the driving and operation of your equipment. Having this wide range of precision farming options means you can decide what level of technology you are comfortable with and can afford. These systems can be integrated into hay farm operations, cattle ranches, produce farms, and any other agriculture operation you can imagine. You can use them for tasks such as rotary cutting and clearing a pasture all the way to harvesting thousands of acres of crops.
Why should I engage in precision farming?
Precision farming not only benefits you as a farmer but it also benefits the soil. By implementing precision farming systems you can learn what different areas of land are lacking and then tend to it as necessary to give it the nutrients it needs without over-fertilizing or over-watering it. When using precision ag systems that take soil samples, you can also learn how much crop to plant in specific areas of your fields to maximize crop production. By knowing the exact inputs your land needs, you can save money by not planting more than necessary, using too much fertilizer, or over water watering. Using precision farming systems also helps alleviate stress because, depending on the system you use, you no longer have to worry about accidentally overlapping on areas of the field you have already covered.
Is precision ag affordable?
If spending less money in the long run, not wasting products, having greater crop yield, being able to access field and tractor data remotely, and having more time sound like things you would like, then yes, precision ag is affordable. One of the many great things about precision ag is that because there are various precision ag systems you can implement, you can choose which one best fits your budget. We suggest starting with our John Deere AutoTrac system that can be installed on almost any John Deere tractor.
What is John Deere’s AutoTracTM?
John Deere’s AutoTracTM is a precision farming system that can be customized to fit what you are wanting to achieve through precision farming. This system can grant you the wish of having perfect headland turns every time, no pesky overlap lines on your field from accidentally doubling up on weed control or fertilizer, and reduce the guessing game of which products your fields are needing. The AutoTracTM systems are designed to be compatible with most John Deere tractors which means reaping the benefits of precision farming isn’t exclusive to large-scale farmers.
Explore John Deere AutoTracTM Systems
When you break precision farming down into its fundamental pieces, it's a lot easier to understand and get a grasp of. Once you understand the basics of it, it becomes much less daunting and more intriguing. For more insight into how precision ag works and to get set up with your own precision ag system, swing by Eis Implement in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, or call our experts!