Agri Leader
High-tech farming is always a risk, but is sometimes worth it
TBO.com
Published: October 17, 2012
High tech of all kinds sweeps across everyone on a constant basis. New software, apps or some new computer system is supposed to make our lives easier, simpler and better. Sometimes that's the case; often it's not.Published: October 17, 2012
The same holds true in agriculture. Software, hardware and app developers create new programs that supposedly help farmers and ranchers, and sometimes they are successful. Just like in any other area of our lives, the folks who create innovative technology can reap incredible fortunes. More often, though, these creations don't supply anything special that makes a difference.
Farmers and ranchers love to find anything that make their operations perform better, and plenty of software and hardware developers come out with all kinds of things that supposedly make their lives better. A few work, others look cool but don't really add any benefit.
This technology is expensive. It costs developers a lot to create and customers often pay a premium because it's not widely distributed and pricey to produce. The last thing a farmer or rancher needs is to sink thousands of dollars into something that doesn't do the job.
There's no doubt that technology can and does benefit agricultural operations. Even crops and livestock are high tech these days and learning trends, keeping records and livestock inventory all require lots of work.
Whether it comes in new software, hardware or some kind of app hardly matters. But it might be a game changer. Those are the kinds of high-tech development that makes a huge difference. It's a gold mine for the developer and a big success for the customer.
Until those come along, though, a farmer has to be careful of the next gadget with lots of bells and whistles, but little application for their operation.