Craig Rupp, CEO of Sabanto and a leading figure in the realm of autonomous farming, is sharing his insights on the practical realities of integrating autonomy into agricultural practices. With extensive experience operating a fleet of autonomous tractors, Rupp argues that standard autonomous tractors may often outperform dedicated field robots, particularly when it comes to the diverse needs of farmers.
In a series of bi-weekly opinion pieces, Rupp delves into the historical context of agricultural technology adoption, drawing parallels to significant shifts such as the transition from horse-drawn farming to the use of tractors. He points out that prior to the 1900s, horses served as the primary source of power for farming, with a single horse capable of cultivating only two acres of land per day. The advent of steam engines in the late 1800s did not provide a viable solution for smaller farms, and it wasn’t until 1917, with Henry Ford’s introduction of the first affordable, mass-produced tractor, that a significant transformation began.
However, even with the introduction of tractors, widespread adoption was slow. Rupp notes that it took over 30 years for tractors to become commonplace on U.S. farms, a delay influenced by economic factors like the Great Depression and World War II, as well as farmers’ hesitance to abandon familiar equipment. This historical lens provides a cautionary tale for those expecting rapid adoption of autonomous farming technologies today.
Rupp emphasizes that farmers are inherently cautious and require tangible proof of technology working effectively on their own fields before committing to new solutions. He recalls a poignant moment in 2019 when an 85-year-old farmer in Nebraska expressed the importance of local farming practices, stating, “You can drive 100 miles in any direction and the farming will change.” This highlights the unique challenges each farmer faces, underscoring the need for autonomous systems to excel in specific field operations to gain acceptance.
For Rupp, the key to successful adoption of autonomous farming lies in focusing on tasks that consume the most time and labor. He asserts that farmers will be more inclined to embrace autonomy in operations they perform frequently, rather than those that occur just once a year. The expectation is clear: autonomous systems must deliver performance that meets or exceeds traditional manual methods, especially in terms of efficiency and time savings.
A significant aspect of Rupp’s perspective is the generational shift occurring within the farming community. He suggests that the younger generation, raised in a digital era, is more open to adopting new technologies, and companies that can effectively engage this demographic will likely thrive. Rupp believes that the path to widespread autonomy in agriculture will be paved by ongoing demonstrations, proof of performance in the field, and a commitment to operational excellence.
In discussing the deployment of autonomous tractors, Rupp shares a less commonly acknowledged truth: rather than replacing labor, these technologies often redeploy it. Farmers are not merely looking for labor savings; they are seeking to scale their operations effectively. This nuance, while not always reflected in traditional return-on-investment calculations, is crucial for understanding the value of autonomy in modern farming.
As Rupp contemplates the future, he reflects on the inevitable changes that will shape agriculture. He draws a parallel between today’s farmers and those who once plowed with horses, observing that while change is constant, history teaches us that patience and persistence are essential components of transformation. With the foundation laid by historical lessons, Rupp is optimistic that, by the 2050s, autonomous farming will be as ubiquitous as tractors are today, driven by innovation, practicality, and the evolving needs of farmers.