Local farmers and ranchers in Hawaiʻi are rapidly embracing technological solutions to address real-world challenges, according to recent data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This surge in technology adoption is seen as a positive indicator for the future of agriculture in the state, with officials noting a significant increase in the use of various technological tools.
One of the most notable trends is the adoption of livestock-tracking devices, which has seen a staggering 6,000% increase since 2019. Farmers and ranchers have also doubled down on video surveillance, with usage increasing by over 200% in the same period. The USDA data reveals that the number of video surveillance units deployed by Hawaiʻi farmers has doubled in the past six years, reaching 4,700 units. However, the demand for more technology is evident, as survey respondents expressed a desire for nearly 5,000 additional units.
The rise in technology adoption is not solely driven by a need for efficiency and productivity but also by the pressing issue of agricultural crime. The state has recently enacted “Duke’s Law,” aimed at toughening penalties for trespassers and implementing a pilot program focused on agricultural security. This law comes as farmers and ranchers increasingly deploy security measures such as motion sensor lights and vehicle-tracking technology.
Another significant technological advancement in Hawaiʻi’s agricultural sector is the widespread use of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology for livestock. The number of RFID devices in use has skyrocketed from fewer than 100 six years ago to over 26,000 today. This technology, which will be mandated for animals crossing state lines in 2024, helps address disease concerns and improves traceability. Additionally, nearly 5,000 GPS-tracking devices are currently used on Hawaiʻi livestock, with ranchers seeking an additional 10,000 trackers to further enhance theft prevention.
The adoption of technology is not limited to livestock management. Farmers are also increasingly turning to sensors to monitor soil and plant conditions, such as moisture levels. The number of users for field sensors has increased by over 250% in the past six years, with 899 users and a demand for more than 1,600 additional units.
State agriculture director Sharon Hurd expressed encouragement at the growing demand and adoption of technology, acknowledging the increasingly difficult agricultural environment. This environment is shaped not only by climate-related challenges but also by economic and workforce factors. Agricultural advocates are looking to technological advancements to help the industry navigate these pressures and are encouraging Hawaiʻi to become an incubation site for technological advancements in tropical agriculture.
Hawaiʻi farmers have also shown interest in unmanned farming equipment. Drones are being used on 173 farms to monitor operations and apply pesticides, with over 700 other farms expressing interest in adopting this technology. Additionally, 301 farms are utilizing autonomous tractors, harvesters, and planters, highlighting the sector’s growing embrace of advanced technologies.
The agriculture department’s analysis of the data underscores the potential benefits of further technological adoption. By integrating these technologies thoughtfully, Hawaiʻi farmers and ranchers can enhance productivity, reduce losses, improve quality and consistency, access premium markets, and build resilience. These advancements contribute not only to the economic development of individual farm operations but also to the broader communities they support.