In the vast, sunlit fields of Kansas, a farmer’s observation sparked a revelation that could reshape the future of agriculture. Craig Rupp, CEO of Sabanto and a pioneer in autonomous farming, recounts this moment in his ongoing series of opinion pieces, offering a glimpse into the practical realities of autonomy in agriculture. As one of the first to operate a fleet of autonomous tractors, Rupp’s insights are invaluable, particularly his perspective on why a standard autonomous tractor may often outperform a dedicated field robot.
The farmer’s remark was simple yet profound: his high-horsepower tractor, a symbol of agricultural might, spent most of its life idle, collecting dust rather than turning profits. This observation underscores a broader truth about machinery utilisation in the industry. For decades, the economics of farming have favored scale, with larger equipment equated with progress. However, as automation and connectivity redefine operational efficiency, the calculus around machinery ownership is evolving.
Rupp explains that a high-horsepower tractor, while excellent for specific heavy field operations, lacks versatility. Its utility is often measured in short bursts, perhaps 250 to 400 hours annually. In contrast, a smaller, more versatile tractor might accumulate 800 to 1,000 hours performing a range of tasks such as mowing, seeding, cultivating, spraying, or planting. In mixed operations, smaller platforms can be deployed nearly year-round, significantly increasing utilisation rates.
The economics of underutilisation are further compounded by accelerated depreciation and a thin secondary market for large tractors. As margins tighten and interest rates remain elevated, the opportunity cost of underutilised or illiquid assets grows. Idle equipment ties up working capital that could otherwise fund technology upgrades, land improvements, or operational flexibility.
Autonomy, Rupp argues, will accelerate a transition towards smaller, more versatile tractors. Smaller tractors equipped with autonomous capability can operate continuously and perform multiple functions with minimal oversight. A single operator can manage several units running around the clock, transforming a machine’s productivity profile. Instead of owning one large, underutilised tractor, producers can deploy a fleet of smaller systems, each operating more hours, serving more purposes, and amortising capital more effectively.
This shift has parallels in other industries. In manufacturing, automation didn’t make machines larger; it made them smarter, modular, and better utilised. Agriculture is following a similar trajectory. The next frontier of efficiency lies not in size or speed, but in maximising return on every invested dollar of iron.
Rupp’s insights highlight a quiet but significant transformation underway in agriculture. As machinery grows more intelligent and less dependent on human operators, utilisation and not horsepower will define the economics of the modern farm. The most productive acres of the future will likely be managed by smaller, more adaptable machines that rarely sit idle.
In this series, Rupp explores the reality of autonomous farming and what it could mean for farmers today. His perspective offers a valuable lens through which to view the evolving landscape of agricultural technology, providing practical insights into the future of farming. As the industry continues to grapple with the implications of autonomy, Rupp’s experiences and observations serve as a guiding light, illuminating the path forward.