In the heart of Polk County, Nebraska, Jesse Williams is redefining modern farming with the aid of precision technology. Spanning 1,000 acres, Williams’ farm is a testament to the transformative power of state-of-the-art agricultural tools. From grid soil sampling to variable-rate nitrogen application, Williams leverages technology to gather crucial data and execute informed decisions. His ultimate goal, however, remains clear: achieving maximum profitability.
Williams’ approach underscores the importance of precision technology in contemporary agriculture. These tools and techniques are not just about embracing innovation; they are about enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in farming practices. As Williams aptly puts it, precision technology helps achieve profitability more effectively.
Dirk Charlson, an Extension educator specializing in digital agriculture at the University of Nebraska, offers a balanced perspective on precision agriculture. He views these tools as aids to better farming, rather than as comprehensive solutions. Charlson’s philosophy is rooted in a saying from his professor, Randy Shoemaker: “Don’t let the technology get in the way of science.” Charlson has adapted this to fit the context of farming: “Don’t let technology get in the way of farming.”
Charlson emphasizes that precision technology should be seen as a means to an end, not the end itself. The primary objective of farming, he notes, is profitability, and variability is a significant obstacle. Precision agriculture offers options to mitigate this variability and reduce risk, which is crucial for sustainable farming.
Charlson introduces the GEMS framework, developed by agricultural economists, to illustrate how precision tools can help manage variability. GEMS stands for Genetics, Environment, Management, and Socioeconomics. These factors interact and influence each other, and precision agriculture tools can help manage these interactions to achieve profitability.
Genetics, in this context, goes beyond hybrid or variety choice. It encompasses biology and changes brought about by practices like cover cropping. The environment, which includes weather patterns, soil type, pests, and non-biological stresses, is largely beyond our control. Management, however, is more within our purview. It involves practices like seeding rates, correct application of fertilizer, and utilization of variable-rate technology. Socioeconomics centers on risk management, including the cost of equipment and the level of risk one is willing to take.
Charlson suggests a simple example to illustrate the application of the GEMS concept. Suppose a field has two soil types: a loam and a sandy soil. The sandy soil is drought-prone. Possible solutions could include selecting drought-tolerant corn hybrids for the sandy soil, increasing irrigation if available, adjusting seeding rates based on soil type, and considering the cost of variable-rate and multi-hybrid planters.
Charlson concludes that adjustments with precision tools are possible today, but farmers need to evaluate whether these changes will be profitable. He advises that changes do not have to be made all at once. Instead, they could be part of a multi-year plan implemented over time.
In essence, the integration of precision technology in agriculture is not just about keeping up with the times. It is about harnessing the power of technology to overcome challenges, manage variability, and ultimately, achieve profitability. As farmers like Jesse Williams and experts like Dirk Charlson continue to explore and implement these tools, the future of agriculture looks increasingly promising.