Scaling up precision agriculture for all
Technology has undoubtedly revolutionised the farming industry. But, in an age where margins are small and growing tighter all the time – and consumer and regulatory pressures are only increasing – making the right investment in technology is more critical than ever before.
The role of technology spans every part of running an agricultural business, so it is unsurprising that the number of solutions on the market is therefore vast. Farmers are sold promises from every angle – but with some solutions coming in at a high cost, how can they know whether the return on investment is worthwhile?
The power of technology
A traditionally manual vocation, farmers have become one of the major adopters of technology in the past few decades. Following the shift to mechanical solutions in the 20th century, the opportunity to ramp up production exploded. As agriculture technology has evolved, precision has become key to managing and growing a farm successfully.
From small holdings to large corporate producers, technology plays a key role in improving farm operations throughout the entire crop and livestock cycles. Technology can boost efficiency and deliver more accurate projections – helping farms operate more smoothly. But precision technology is where things get really exciting.
Whether it is precision planting, livestock monitoring, resource management or environmental compliance, precision technology helps farmers of all sizes deliver a more successful business model
Using a combination of hardware and software, precision agriculture technology is helping farmers to be more accurate, efficient and, even, more sustainable in their approach. It allows them to collect granular detail on soil health, crop conditions, and environmental factors – empowering better, faster and smarter decision-making which, in turn, allows farmers to use resources more precisely and reduce wastage, therefore cutting overhead costs and improving performance by boosting production.
Whether it is precision planting, livestock monitoring, resource management or environmental compliance, precision technology helps farmers of all sizes deliver a more successful business model – protecting both the business and the land it operates on.
Overcoming barriers
While the benefits of agricultural technology are clear, the initial cost of adoption remains a challenge for many farmers, especially those running small to mid-sized operations. The capital investment required for advanced machinery and software can be prohibitive, particularly in today’s economic climate where margins are being squeezed from all sides.
Aware of this, manufacturers have been developing solutions specifically for smaller-scale enterprises. Value Line by Topcon is one such solution; an autosteering range which brings high-precision guidance technology to smaller farms at a fraction of the cost of full-scale hardware and software suites. These accessible technologies make it easier for smaller farms to adopt automation and precision practices without sacrificing efficiency or breaking the bank.
Additionally, farmers are increasingly recognising the long-term savings in fuel, labour, and input costs, which can offset the initial investment over time. Autosteering is a great example of how this works in practice.
By using GPS and automated guidance systems to control a farm vehicles’ steering, it reduces overlap, improves accuracy in planting or spreading, and minimises resource waste. The system adjusts the vehicle’s path in real-time, based on predefined coordinates, and this allows farmers to operate more efficiently, save time, and reduce fuel and input costs.
The benefits of this can be considerable at all scales. A one-foot overlap from a 100-foot cultivator in a large farm is wastage of one per cent. At a smaller scale, a one-foot overlap on a 30-foot cultivator results in a three per cent wastage: a huge amount of loss for any enterprise. Precision technology reduces the overlap and, therefore, the wastage, making it an important investment.
Adapting for the future
Farms of all sizes are essential to feeding a growing global population. Small-hold farms produce over a third of the world’s food on just 12% of global agricultural land, so ensuring equitable access to technology is vital for protecting the future of our food systems.
Precision technology is not just about boosting yields; it is about equipping farmers with the tools to meet the challenges of tomorrow and evolving the farming industry for the better
At the same time, consumer demand is shifting. Today’s buyers are looking for higher-quality, more specialized products – and this presents new opportunities for small-holders. While large farms may struggle to pivot to niche markets, smallholders are in a prime position to adapt quickly and capitalize on these trends. This new market space, coupled with the power of precision tech, could transform small farming operations – and the widespread impact of this shift could be game-changing for the entire agriculture sector.
Precision technology is not just about boosting yields; it is about equipping farmers with the tools to meet the challenges of tomorrow and evolving the farming industry for the better. With data-driven tools, farmers can make smarter decisions, use resources more efficiently, and meet sustainability goals – all while increasing profits. For smallholders in particular, this shift presents a unique opportunity to safeguard their businesses in a rapidly changing market. Those who embrace these innovations will be better prepared for the future, helping not just to improve their own farming operations, but also to reshape our global food system for years to come.
