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The Technology on Modern Farms

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Farming is one of the most technology-intensive industries, though much of that technology is invisible to people who don't work on farms. Satellites, sensors, drones and robots are now ordinary tools on many large operations, while smaller farms adopt them more selectively because of cost. Looking at specific farm tasks shows what has changed.

Steering and planting

GPS-guided auto-steer systems, such as John Deere's AutoTrac, have been common on large farms for years. They keep tractors on precise lines, often to within a couple of centimeters with correction signals, which reduces overlaps that waste seed, fertilizer and fuel, and lets drivers work longer hours with less fatigue. Planters can switch off individual rows automatically to avoid double planting at field edges.

Applying fertilizer and pesticides

Variable-rate technology applies different amounts of fertilizer across a field based on soil tests and yield maps, rather than one rate everywhere. Newer sprayers go further. John Deere's See & Spray uses cameras and computer vision to detect weeds and spray only where they are, and the company has reported large reductions in herbicide use in its trials. Reducing chemical use saves money and lowers environmental impact.

Watching crops

  • Satellites provide regular images that show crop health across fields, highlighting areas that may be stressed by water shortages, pests or disease.
  • Drones fly lower and capture more detailed images when a farmer needs a closer look. In some countries, drones are also used to spray crops on small or hard-to-reach fields.
  • Yield monitors on combine harvesters record how much each part of a field produced, which helps plan the next season.

Water

Soil moisture sensors and weather data help farmers irrigate only when crops need it. Drip irrigation delivers water directly to roots and wastes far less than flooding or spraying. In dry regions such as California, efficient irrigation is often essential to stay within water limits.

Livestock

Robotic milking systems, made by companies such as Lely and DeLaval, let cows choose when to be milked, typically a few times a day. The robots also record each cow's milk yield and quality, which can flag illness early. Collars and ear tags that track activity and rumination help farmers spot cows that are sick or in heat.

Indoor and vertical farming

Vertical farms grow leafy greens and herbs indoors in stacked layers under LED lights, using far less water and no pesticides. The sector attracted heavy investment but has struggled with high energy costs. Several prominent companies, including AeroFarms in 2023, went through bankruptcy. Indoor farming works best for high-value, fast-growing crops close to cities rather than staple crops like wheat.

Robots in the field

Robots for weeding, fruit picking and thinning crops are being developed and tested, partly because of labor shortages in agriculture. Picking soft fruit such as strawberries is hard to automate because the robot has to find ripe fruit among leaves and pick it without bruising. Some systems are in commercial use, but most harvesting of delicate crops is still done by hand.

Technology for smaller farms

Not all farm technology requires large budgets. Smartphone apps provide hyperlocal weather forecasts, market prices, pest identification from photos and record keeping. Affordable soil moisture sensors and small weather stations can be installed for a few hundred dollars. In many lower-income countries, text-message services send farmers advice on planting dates and prices, and studies have found such information can modestly improve yields and incomes.

Data and forecasting

Farm management software combines field records, weather forecasts, soil tests and satellite images to help plan planting, spraying and harvesting. Seasonal forecasts and crop models help decide which varieties to plant and when. Insurers and lenders increasingly use satellite and weather data too, for example in index insurance that pays out automatically when rainfall falls below a set level.

The obstacles

  • Cost: advanced equipment is expensive, which favors large farms.
  • Connectivity: many rural areas lack reliable mobile internet, which limits data-heavy tools.
  • Repair and data rights: farmers have pushed for the right to repair their own equipment and access the data it collects. In 2023, John Deere signed an agreement with the American Farm Bureau Federation committing to give farmers and independent shops more access to diagnostic tools.
  • Skills: getting value from data takes time and training.

Why it matters to consumers

Farm technology affects food prices, availability and environmental impact. More precise use of water, fertilizer and pesticides can lower costs and reduce pollution of rivers and groundwater, while better monitoring reduces crop losses.