Producer Adoption of Precision Agriculture Technologies Adam Ferrell Precision Agriculture 4313

Numerous studies and experiments have shown that use of precision agriculture technology can provide a significant benefit to producers who adopt it and use it properly. However, it seems that these practices are meeting a good amount of resistance and are being ignored by a large number of producers.

The Technology  Indirect Sensing  Precision Guidance  Yield Monitoring  Precision application of chemicals greenseeker.okstate.edu

Results of a 2003 Survey conducted at Ohio State University*  15.3% used Grid soil sampling.  14.1% used variable rate P application.  7.7% used variable rate N application.  11.6% used a yield monitor.  5.2 % used precision guidance.  31.8% used 1 or more precision ag. components opposed to 23.6% in *Results taken from study conducted by Marvin T. Batte, Craig Pohlman, D. Lynn Forester and Brent Sohngen.

A Little Closer to Home A simple study was conducted in Western Oklahoma to determine the approximate level of acceptance new technologies. 10 producers were surveyed. The study also looked at many of the aspects of their operations.

The Results  Average age years.  8 of 10 grow over 500 acres of crops annually.  2 produced cattle as their only marketed commodity.  6 produced cattle and wheat for grain.  2 produced cattle, wheat and hay.

Results Continued  3 own a tractor manufactured after  3 soil utilize soil sampling.  3 used no-till production.  1 used precision ag technology.  3 said they would use precision ag technology if they knew more about it.  3 said they think new technologies are being well promoted.

Reasons For Not Adopting New Technology  Producers say that technology will not work well with their operation.  Can’t afford it.  Don’t have time for it.  Producers say they can do just as good without it.  Lack of backing from financial institutions.

Other Factors Affecting Technology Adoption  Producer age  Tradition  Equipment  Other employment  Lack of education

Is Change Needed?  It has been proven that the new technologies can help producers increase their profits by reducing inputs and optimizing production.  However, it is very difficult to prove that all producers can benefit from new technology.

Increasing Awareness  Extension personnel need to be fully trained and educated on technology  Producer organizations should be made aware of new technology so that they can promote it to their members  Innovative producers must be sought out so that others can follow their example.

The Future  In the past agriculture has been slow to change.  A new technology or technique must be given time to prove itself.  In the future adoption of technology will increase as producers find that change is inevitable.

Websites  nue.okstate.edu nue.okstate.edu   

Questions?