How Precision Ag Helps Ohio Farmers Reduce Input Costs

Precision agriculture technology allows farmers to effectively manage their crops and increase harvest yields in previously unimaginable ways. Rather than taking a best-guess approach to fertilizer, pesticide, and water applications, farmers can use high-tech precision ag technology to do complex work and accurately distribute inputs. 

Not only does precision ag technology increase productivity, but it’s also a fantastic way to reduce the costs associated with input applications.

Let’s look at a few ways this helpful technology can reduce costs and increase your yearly harvest.

Precise Input Application

The benefit of this tech is all in the name – it is called precision agriculture technology, after all. With precision agriculture technology, you can safely and accurately apply certain crop inputs. Many modern John Deere sprayers include this technology built in, which makes it even easier to adopt precision ag techniques.

By using GPS-guided equipment and variable rate technology, farmers can tailor their input application to the specific needs of different areas of a field. 

When you precisely apply fertilizer or pesticides, you reduce the need to go back over your rows multiple times to ensure everything is properly saturated. Precision sprayers know exactly how to apply inputs based on several factors, like your moving speed, weather conditions, and more.

Other precision ag sprayers can accurately identify weeds from healthy crops and will only apply herbicides to weeds.

The John Deere Rate Controller 2000 allows farmers to apply fertilizer and seed on the same pass, which reduces input costs by 7 percent or more. It’s necessary for anyone looking to add precision ag technology to their arsenal.

Improved Efficiency and Yield

Precision ag technology can also help Ohio farmers increase their yields thanks to the advanced efficiency they provide. Technologies like real-time monitoring and advanced seed monitoring systems allow farmers to optimize planting strategies and quickly address issues like equipment malfunctions or different soil conditions. 

When you optimize your efficiency, there’s a great chance of improving your season yield. That’s because the precision ag technology allows you to efficiently apply fertilizers and pesticides, therefore reducing crop-harming pests and ensuring plants grow strong.

All of this results in better crop performance and higher yields without increasing input costs.

Reduced Fuel and Labor Costs

Precision agriculture technologies like auto-steer systems help reduce fuel consumption by reducing overlap during planting and harvesting operations. Without precision ag tech, your workers may need to make several passes in order to efficiently cover your entire field. In the end, that costs you more fuel.

These systems also decrease the amount of labor required by automating many tasks, allowing farmers to manage larger areas with fewer resources. As a bonus, you can also reduce worker fatigue by automating steering or other traditional manual operations. Well-rested workers are more likely to work efficiently with fewer mistakes.

Environmental Benefits

Finally, although this is not an immediate input cost-reduction, when you reduce the excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides, you minimize the environmental impact of farming practices. It’s important to steward the environment to make sure future generations have the ability to farm the land. With reduced environmental impact from wasteful application, you are creating a more sustainable farm operation and protecting your soil nutrients for continued farming many years down the road.

Additionally, reducing wasteful application not only contributes to sustainability but also reduces costs associated with purchasing and applying these chemicals.

Visit Koenig Equipment for Precision Ag Technology

We would be happy to show Ohio farmers our selection of precision ag technology and help you reduce input costs while more accurately applying fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides.

Visit one of our Ohio locations near you, and talk to a specialist today to get more information on how precision ag can help your farm.