A self-proclaimed “late adopter” of technology, I’ve always prided myself on being sensible and prudent, though others might label me a Luddite. My preference for carburetors over fuel injection and wire cables over electric relays stems from a desire to understand the mechanics of the tools I use, even if I never intend to repair them myself. This trait has become more pronounced with age, and a recent experience brought this into sharp focus.
A few weeks ago, I was tasked with submitting a compensation claim for crop damage caused by a statutory body. In the past, this would have involved a day spent trudging through fields with a notebook, camera, and a road wheel that inevitably jammed with mud. However, when I handed over the land plan to a colleague, expecting a groan, I was met with a smile. The reason? A drone would now do the job in a fraction of the time.
The drone, pre-programmed and efficient, would fly over the fields, record the damage, and return to its starting point. The data would then be downloaded and processed in mere minutes, a task that once took hours. This technology is not just about saving time and effort; it’s revolutionizing farming. Drones can measure plant health, identify drainage or irrigation issues, and even count pumpkins in a field.
This technological leap, like many others in agriculture over the past two decades, means fewer man-hours are needed to grow the same amount of food. This is an undeniable fact, and there’s no turning back. However, the implications are profound. As fewer people are directly involved in food production, the nation’s connection to its food sources is diminishing. This disconnect worries me, as it could shape future national policies and the country’s attitude towards the few remaining farmers.
The concern is that future generations might not value food in the same way as their predecessors. This is not just about nostalgia; it’s about understanding the effort and resources that go into food production. Without this understanding, we risk undervaluing one of our most fundamental needs. As a Luddite not engaged in social media, I might be out of touch with the national mood, but this trend is hard to ignore.
The march of technology in agriculture is inevitable and largely beneficial. But as we embrace these changes, we must also find ways to maintain our connection to the land and the food it provides. The challenge is to ensure that as we gain efficiency, we do not lose appreciation.