Farming today is nothing like it was a couple of decades ago. Technology has created ways to streamline various aspects of agriculture, and farmers are using more gadgets and gizmos than ever before in history.
Tech tools in the agricultural industry help create precision farming, autonomous equipment, aerial imaging, and more. Take a few moments to read through a brief summary, featuring a few ways in which technology is being used to boost processes in the agricultural industry.
Livestock genetics and breeding
Farmers have been working to improve their livestock through selective breeding for thousands of years. Breeding in the 21st century is much more specific and complicated than ever before, and farmers have more control than ever over exactly what they will get from a match.
It’s even common among farmers to purchase high-quality semen to be used in the insemination of their cows. Science and technology have also made embryo transfer much more common in the farming community.
Crop genetics and pest management
Just like livestock breeding, farmers work hard to upgrade the genetics of their crops. Plant selection and breeding techniques are used to get the best possible crop yields.
Genetic engineering technology is a common way for farmers to make moves against pests without damaging crops using agricultural chemicals. The science isn’t entirely refined, but plant breeders have technology on their side.
Automation on the farm
Farmers have more technology for automation. Farmers can milk their cows on an automated schedule with robotic milking machines. Automated combines can eliminate the need for employee labor.
Farmers can do more for less thanks to advancements in technology. The future is exciting given the speed at which the world of farming has morphed into a fine-tuned production machine.
High tech livestock living spaces
The livestock have also benefited from recent tech advancements. Livestock housing is more refined, and farmers are required to perform less manual labor to maintain the space’s functionality.
It’s common for livestock barns to be equipped with Wi-Fi, automated feeding systems, and climate-controlled environments. Farmers even have the capability to monitor their livestock using their smartphones.
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (or NIFA) works to forward and facilitate the nation’s farming industry. NIFA works in research and development. They do a lot to help farmers perform their duties more efficiently.
They help to advance the physical sciences behind farming, the various tech devices used by farmers, and the computer sciences used in the agricultural industry. The farming industry has the National Institute of Food and Agriculture to thank for much of the progress made thus far in the 21st century.
2018 ·