Utilizing precision agriculture technology, soil sampling and other management tools can maximize ag production and save you money. Protecting the environment is an added bonus as precision agriculture technology adapts to different soil profiles and existence of different pests.

Technology such as a precision agriculture GPS system and mapping avoids overlap or gaps so you get the most out of every square inch of the field space you have available. Instead of thinking of each field as a whole unit, the philosophy behind precision agriculture is to split that field up into individual segments with different characteristics.

Consider this other information about precision farming:

1. The most important item of precision agriculture equipment is the GPS system. To providing the exact coordinate of a section or machine operating in a field, GPS can pinpoint specific data and images can be made into map applications.

2. In precision farming, mapping software can process the data and output the specific characteristics of the field.

3. A precision farm can also be yield mapped, which shows variability within the field. This allows you to make adaptations for certain sections of a field.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Set yourself up with precision ag services

Precise farming requires considerable data collection and mapping. Consult with a professional who can consult you on such issues and advise you on your specific operation.

I recommend: Precision Agricultural Services provides auditing and compliance assurance programs to keep your precision farm applications on track. E4 Sons Co. of Woodbine, IA, offers soil sampling, GPS and yield monitoring mapping services, among others.

Purchase the latest precision agriculture technology and precision farming equipment

Boasting profound accuracy and control, technology in precision agriculture is continuously improving. The right technological tool can help you apply fertilizer or pesticides only where needed which not only helps you watch costs but improves efficiency. Software can manage your data and, when managed properly, can improve yield results.

I recommend: Hemisphere GPS offers a variety of GPS products from systems to antennae and others. Check out the latest gadgets and software from Rinex Technology.

Attend a precision ag conference or other educational event

The area of precision agriculture will constantly change as technology advances and new methods are explored. Keep educated on issues so you can continue to operate an economic and environmentally sound farm.

I recommend: Log on to The PrecisionAg Institute periodically for information on upcoming events. Check out the Foundation for Agronomic Research's information on the upcoming InfoAg annual conference.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Experts who have researched precision planting recommend application of lime, P and K fertilizer on specific sites, yield monitors for all sizes of farms, rotating between cover and hay crops and frost tillage and the injection of manure or other fertilizer during frost as well.