As long as farmers have collected information about crop yields, soil types and weather conditions, they have used data to drive their decisions about everything from when to apply fertilizer to their fields to how much plant protection their crops will need from noxious weeds.
With the introduction of technology that can automatically track these factors and determine the best path forward, agricultural professionals are making their operations more efficient and finding new paths to profitability. Through the Arkansas State University (A-State) online Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Agriculture in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Precision Agriculture program, graduates master the fundamental skills necessary to improve crop yields and successfully navigate the rapidly evolving agricultural sector.
Revolutionizing Agriculture
While farmers have long used almanacs and historical information to guide their choices, precision agriculture grew in popularity in the 1990s as technologies like GPS and automated yield monitors hit the market. Precision agriculture refers to the strategies farmers use to gather, process and analyze spatial and temporal data to improve productivity, quality, profitability, sustainability and efficient use of resources, according to the International Society of Precision Agriculture. This management strategy requires farmers to track their production inputs like seed, feed, chemicals, water, fertilizer and timing of application.
Satellite imagery, soil sensors and other tools allow agricultural workers to get more accurate readings on conditions affecting their harvest and discover targeted interventions to boost crop yields in specific locations on the farm, according to the American Statistical Association. Farmers can also see where to reduce inefficiencies and implement strategies that mitigate harmful impacts on land and natural resources.
With the addition of GPS auto-guidance systems and geographic information systems laying out detailed field maps in the early 2000s, farmers have been able to use their machinery more effectively based on the variables affecting different areas of their land. Today, farmers plant the majority of corn, rice, soybeans and cotton (among other crops) using auto-guidance technology, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation.
Exploring the Potential of Big Data
Over the past two decades, the speed of technological innovation has allowed modern farmers to use real-time sensors to get snapshots of their crop health and change their strategies — ranging from irrigation and chemical application to planting and harvest timing — as weather conditions and other variables take effect.
Some farmers don’t have to drive the tractor anymore, figuratively and literally. Robotics have brought self-driving tractors into the fold, and automated irrigation systems distribute water according to algorithms determined by data collected across the globe, otherwise known as “big data analytics.” Big data platforms collect and digest vast amounts of information about soil conditions, weather patterns and other factors from sensors, drones, satellites and machinery in their network.
Using the Internet of Things — or interconnected devices connected to a common cloud network — these platforms process this data to forecast potential outcomes, identify trends and recommend steps for improving yields. Companies like John Deere are integrating this technology into their machinery and helping customers make smarter choices for their individual farms, according to Agrilinks.
As farmers increasingly rely on analytics and algorithms to increase output, rising leaders in the field must put their statistics skills into practice. Students in A-State’s online B.S. in Agriculture in GIS and Precision Agriculture program complete an Applied Agricultural Statistics course where they learn how to collect, tabulate and analyze agricultural data. Students gain a better understanding of the state and federal crop reporting services and how to use that data to improve their own yields upon graduation.
Develop Precision Agriculture Skills With Arkansas State University
Big data technologies impact nearly every industry to some degree, and agriculture is no exception. Professionals in the field must anticipate and utilize these technologies or else risk getting left behind. Graduates of A-State’s program are prepared to lead the next chapter of modern agriculture by wisely leveraging new technology and guiding their farms to more productive futures.
Learn more about Arkansas State University’s online Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Agriculture in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Precision Agriculture program.