Search
Trends driving automation on the farm

May 31, 2023 | USDA Press 

The agriculture industry is facing economic pressures and sustainability challenges, leading to the adoption of next-generation automation technologies. Input costs for farmers, such as fertilizers and crop protection chemicals, have risen significantly, while climate change-induced weather variability and pests are reducing yields. To remain economically viable, farmers are seeking innovative solutions, and automation shows promise in reducing farming's impact on climate change and adapting to financial challenges.

Automation in agriculture ranges from semi-automated technology, like assisted steering, to fully automated systems, such as weeding robots. These technologies use sensors, analytics, robotics, and equipment to help farmers make smarter decisions, reduce chemical usage, and improve labor productivity. Automation can address two major issues for farmers: rising input costs and labor challenges. By enabling more efficient use of pesticides and fertilizers, automation can reduce input costs. It can also improve working conditions and lower labor costs by automating hazardous and physically taxing activities.

Furthermore, the push toward sustainability is expected to accelerate adoption of automation technologies. Governments are setting ambitious targets for environmentally sustainable practices, and consumer demand for sustainable food is increasing. Automation can help farmers comply with regulations by reducing pesticide and fertilizer usage and providing traceability. As more growers realize the benefits of automation—increased productivity, improved safety, and progress toward sustainability goals—the excitement about these technologies is expected to grow.

Viewed Articles
Trends driving automation on the farm
May 31, 2023 | USDA Press | The agriculture industry is facing economic pressures and sustainability challenges, leading to the adoption of next-generation automation technologies. Input costs for far
Read More
USDA makes $1.5 billion available to help farmers advance conservation and climate-smart agriculture as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda
April 03, 2024 | USDA  |  The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) allocates a historic $1.5 billion for fiscal year 2024 through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) to support conse
Building Partnerships for Innovative Rice Straw Management: Key to a Greener Future
November 02, 2024 | International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) | Experts from governments, NGOs, academia, and industry gathered at a two-day workshop co-organized by IRRI and ADB to address sustain
Indigo’s $250M Raise Boosts Agricultural Carbon Credits Generation
September 15, 2023 | Carbon Credits | Indigo Ag, a leader in sustainable agriculture, has secured over $250 million in funding to expand its sustainable agriculture initiatives and bolster farmers'
Hybrid rice + innovations: a path forward for climate-smart agriculture
January 7, 2025 | International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) |  A recent study “Advanced technologies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from rice fields: Is hybrid rice the game changer?”, publi
The future of precision irrigation: 4 technologies making watering systems more efficient
August 25, 2024 | Global Ag Tech Initiative | Traditional irrigation practices face challenges such as inefficiency and environmental impact, contributing to higher costs and resource waste. As climat
TOP