In the past 30 years, technology in the agricultural industry has changed and developed immensely. In the past thirty years tractors, planters, stalk cutters and cultivators with herbicide applicators have been improved, or been invented. It is amazing the changes which can occur in such a short period of time.
In 1994, farmers began to use satellite trackers in their farming practices (GPS). This was one of the biggest developments ever seen in farming, which allowed farmers to do things never before possible. Global positioning systems assisted in farm planning, field mapping, tractor guidance and crop scouting. As well as this, it allowed farmers to work during times of low-visibility, such as at night, in the rain, or during dusty or foggy periods. It could even help to locate problem areas where the crop had been attacked by bugs or weeds.
Telematics enabled the farmer to see which vehicles were operating, their fuel levels, how much product had been applied, how much crop harvested, and even if a piece of equipment was ready to break down.
This greatly increased farmers’ profit margins and productivity – it was like a miracle!
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| Maryellen and Jenna |
Another aspect of farming which has developed is irrigation practices. Irrigation systems used on farms are now very sophisticated – greatly improved from those in place 30 years ago. Dry land farming practices have changed from ploughing; which allowed moisture to escape from the soil, to drill sowing; a process where subsoil moisture content is maintained. This has allowed for an increase in dry land cropping and less reliance on irrigation. Irrigated areas are now also switching from open canals to closed piping. Although this may be expensive to set up, it saves evaporation loss, which in the long term, is an investment. Farmers also use drip lines, and soil monitors to ensure that plants are receiving the optimal amount of water; not too much, not too little. This wouldn’t have been possible 30 years ago.
Technological standards have been raised even higher since the development of new technologies. Portable computers, 4G networks, telematics, nitrogen utilisation, highly efficient ethanol production, mini-chromosome technology, herbicide tolerance traits, drought resistant traits and RFID technology are just some of the technological advances which have occurred during the last 30 years. What will they invent next!
Another advancement in technology is the improvement of tractors and moving farm vehicles. Although this hasn’t occurred yet, someday farmers will see tractors, sprayers and other farm vehicles generate electric power to run auxiliaries and attachments. Tractors and other farm vehicles are well on their way to becoming smokeless. Engine manufacturers have had to redesign the diesel engine to comply with the government’s Interim Tier 4 (iT4) emissions regulations.
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| The wool bale is on the cow |
Automatic sprinkler systems have also been improved. They have proved very useful for crop growing and have taken away a portion of work. Who wouldn’t like that?
Another new gadget that many farmers are now using is high-flex tires. These tires are bigger and better than those available 30 years ago. When farmers use these huge tires they can cover more area in a much faster time. The weight of the vehicle is evenly divided between the four wheels, which reduces soil compaction, and enables the seeds to grow more easily. The heavier the vehicle the more soil compaction, however these tires help to prevent this occurring.
Automated grain off-loading carts are another new invention; pretty much a ‘dream come true’ for farmers. These machines have made it very easy to fill a grain cart automatically. With remote video camera technology, one person can control both tractors at the same time. This means that they can do ‘precision farming’, where not even a single strip of crop is unharvested.
As you can see, farming has come a long way in the last 30 years. From precision farming to GPS and telematics systems, to portable computers to irrigation systems; none of this technology would have been available 30 years ago. The modern farmer is an aspect of farming which many people find it difficult to grasp. When an average person thinks of a farmer, they think of an old man in overalls working tirelessly to plough his field and sow his seeds. This simply isn’t the case. Today, most farmers use portable computers to plant and harvest crops. These new technologies are helping to feed you and me. I am sure that the farmers from 30 years ago are very jealous of the new technologies that we have today!
We love our Aussie Farmers!
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