Small farmers carry a heavy load of work to keep their operations afloat without nearly as many resources as large commercial producers. This can lead to a significant slump in productivity by comparison, costing them huge losses every year. Part of what boosts productivity in larger-scale farms is the use of precision ag technology to automate many essential functions. This is something that more small farmers should adopt to run a smoother operation and save input costs in the process. Precision Agriculture isn’t just for big farmers and doesn’t require you to break the bank to integrate. John Deere provides plenty of precision ag options that small farmers can integrate into their fields to increase yields, save labor, and reduce input costs. Let’s explore the options available.
The John Deere Operations Center is a free tool that gives farmers access to critical farm operations anytime, anywhere. Whether on your phone, tablet, or computer, you can easily monitor key data and manage your entire operation remotely. Through the Operations Center, you can streamline your farm setup, covering everything from equipment management and field layouts to team coordination. The Work Planner feature allows you to effectively plan fieldwork, ensuring tasks are executed smoothly. You also can monitor and analyze all aspects of your farm data, allowing you to optimize in real-time and improve performance for the next season. With this innovative management system, you can unlock the full potential of your farm reducing critical missteps and seizing every opportunity to improve.
If you are interested in using programs such as the Operations Center to manage your farm, a JDLink Modem is necessary to transfer data and sync all machines successfully. This connectivity tool can stream machine and field data directly to your account and also get remote support from your local dealer. The great thing about this hardware is that it's compatible with any brand, equipment type, or model year so you don’t have to worry about having a fancy new machine to experience its benefits.
Variable Rate Application (VRA) is a precision-ag technology that applies multiple inputs such as seed, fertilizer, and crop protectants to a field according to its specific needs. This can be an excellent way for farmers to maximize profits and reduce input costs. John Deere’s VRA solutions, the Rate Controller 2000 and Section Control, work together to run map-based prescriptions for seamless and accurate application. Section Control works specifically to improve placement, reduce operator fatigue, and reduce product overlap.
AutoTrac Guidance Systems is a popular tool amongst JD users that allows the operator to sit back and relax with hands-free steering. Compatible with more than 600 machines, the advanced AutoTrac technology is suitable for all farmers. AutoTrac helps operators maintain consistent and accurate navigation throughout rows, allowing them to improve productivity and stay more alert, reducing fatigue and focusing on other operational necessities like implement settings.
Koenig Equipment has many modern solutions for small farmers to enhance and automate their farming operations. We have a team of dedicated Precision Ag Specialists here to help you utilize your data to make better-informed decisions for your farm. Explore our John Deere precision equipment online today or reach out to one of our Optimization Specialists for additional information.