HIGH TECH AGRICULTURE

Farms today no longer look like they did in our grandparents’ or great grandparents’ time. U.S. agriculture is a highly technical, specialised industry, and new innovations are essential for meeting rising demand for food, fuel, and fiber.

 

Precision Agriculture

In the U.S., farmers use precision agriculture technologies to maximize crop yields while minimizing the use of inputs like fuel, fertilizer, pesticides, and water. Technologies such as soil sensors, artificial intelligence, and crop monitoring satellites enable farmers to spot-treat their fields down to the square inch, giving crops precisely what they need, where they need it, without overusing input products. These efficiency gains create a win-win situation by increasing production and lowering farmer’ costs, while also benefiting the long-term fertility of the land. 

 

Innovation Nation

The U.S. is a powerhouse in agricultural technology, and new innovations are constantly emerging. Here are some additional examples of technologies on the farm: 
 

• Precision Irrigation: Remote monitoring and sensors control the flow of water, giving plants exactly the amount of moisture they need. 
   

• Artificial Intelligence: AI has many uses across agriculture. Examples including using AI to detect pests, diseases, and weeds, automate irrigation, and forecast crop yields
   

• Seed technology: Advanced seed breeding and genomics mean that plants today are more resilient against heat, drought, and other weather-related challenges, as well as some pests and diseases. 
   

• Machinery and Robotics: Technologies including self-driving tractors, drones, and robotic harvesters can increase efficiency and help reduce farm labor. 
   

• Energy: Solar panels and wind turbines can help generate energy for farms and communities. Some livestock farms also use methane digesters to convert manure and other organic waste into energy resources.