2023 Spring Farm Outlook

Page 30 2023 Logan County Spring Farm Outlook LINCOLN DAILY NEWS March 2023 around the field. Inside the GEO Fence, obstacles (like power poles, billboard signs, and water ways) are recorded. The tractor is outfitted with a multi camera system that interprets the data it collects. The collected data is sent to multiple data processors to allow the system to function. Each implement is outfitted with sensors that collect data as well. Because the data and images are constantly being recorded, the system has great accuracy. This accuracy helps ensure safety. Anderson said, “The autonomous system has hundreds of thousands of predetermined images that it can detect as obstacles in a working field. Once an image is detected, such as branch, the system will stop movement and alert the operator of its position. Live video, images, and data will be shared with the operator to determine if the obstacle needs attention prior to the unit proceeding.” As the John Deere site says, John Deere Operations Center Mobile provides access to live video, images, data and metrics, and allows a farmer to adjust speed, depth and more. In the event of any job quality anomalies or machine health issues, farmers will be notified remotely and can make adjustments to optimize the performance of the machine. By being able to see the images through an app, farmers can then decide what needs to be done before proceeding. A December article from the Agriculture, Technology and Business Market examined the advantages and disadvantages of using autonomous tractors. Advantages include accuracy and consistency in completing tasks, boosts in productivity, higher yields, more sustainability, and a reduction in labor costs. In addition, they may have more safety due to lower accident and injury risks. As with any piece of equipment, there are also some potential disadvantages. These may include high costs, maintenance expenses, limited capabilities for some tasks and a lack of flexibility when conditions change. Because these tractors rely so heavily on technology, they may be more susceptible to malfunctions. Without the need for a human operator, job losses in agriculture are another possible disadvantage. Weighing the advantages and disadvantages, considering your needs and doing some Continued --