Strip-tillers are at the forefront of embracing precision technology, as evidenced by the 12th annual Strip-Till Benchmark Survey conducted by Strip-Till Farmer. The survey reveals a significant uptick in the adoption of various precision technologies, highlighting the sector’s commitment to enhancing efficiency and profitability.
By 2025, an overwhelming 89% of strip-tillers plan to utilize GPS tractor auto-steer, a technology that ensures precise field navigation and reduces overlap, thereby saving on inputs and time. This is a clear indication of the industry’s trust in GPS technology to drive operational efficiency. Similarly, 74% of respondents will engage in yield monitor data analysis, a tool crucial for making informed decisions about crop management and future planning. Field mapping, another essential technology for precision agriculture, will be used by 68% of strip-tillers, marking a 7% increase from the previous year.
The survey also highlights a growing interest in auto-boom/nozzle shutoffs and auto-seed shutoffs, with 65% and 63% of respondents planning to use these technologies, respectively. These tools are instrumental in reducing waste and improving the precision of input application, contributing to both economic and environmental sustainability.
Adam Gittins, president of precision technology dealer HTS Ag, presented a compelling case for the widespread adoption of farm technology at the 2024 National Strip-Tillage Conference. Using a hypothetical 1,000-acre farm, Gittins demonstrated that a $122,000 investment in precision technology can yield a 95% return on investment (ROI) in just one year. His message was clear: investing in precision technology, particularly in planters, can lead to significant financial gains.
Gittins emphasized the critical role of precision technology in planting, stating, “You get one chance to plant, and planting has to be right, or you lose money.” This sentiment underscores the importance of precision in agriculture, where small errors can lead to significant losses.
The survey also provides insights into the adoption of other precision technologies. Variable-rate fertility, satellite aerial imagery, GPS implement guidance, and drones are among the tools that strip-tillers plan to use in 2025. Drones, in particular, are being used for a variety of tasks, including crop scouting, applying fungicides, seeding cover crops, and applying herbicides or insecticides.
Despite the enthusiasm for new technologies, Pete Youngblut, owner of precision ag dealer Youngblut Ag, advises caution. He encourages farmers to evaluate the potential return on investment and practicality of new technologies before making a purchase. Youngblut’s advice is a reminder that while technology can drive progress, it is essential to ensure that investments are justified and aligned with operational needs.
The survey also sheds light on the use of GPS correction signals, with 94% of strip-tillers using some form of this technology in 2024. Satellite-based RTK positioning was the most popular choice, followed by land-based and cellular-based RTK. This trend indicates a preference for high-accuracy GPS solutions, which are crucial for precision farming.
In summary, the survey results paint a picture of an industry that is increasingly reliant on precision technology to drive efficiency and profitability. As strip-tillers continue to adopt and integrate these tools into their operations, the future of agriculture looks increasingly high-tech and data-driven. However, as Youngblut’s advice suggests, it is crucial to approach this technological revolution with a discerning eye, ensuring that investments are both practical and profitable.
