PRECISION AGRICULTURE

Technology, data and farming

Farmers have many tools that capture details in their field – from how many seeds are planted to how many pests are in different parts of the field. This data helps them make decisions to grow a more productive and sustainable crop using the right product in the right place in the right amount at the right rate.

R 01

The Right Product

Applying the correct nutrients is a vital part of precision agriculture. Farmers need to know what nutrients already exist in the soil for the crop they are growing to determine what additional fertilizers are needed for a productive crop.

R 02

The Right Place

The entire field won’t have the same nutrient needs. Thanks to technology, producers can decipher what specific areas of a field need and apply the correct nutrients to each section.

R 03

The Right Amount

Inputs such as fertilizers can be expensive. Farmers don’t want to be wasteful and overapply nutrients to fields. Precision agriculture tools help them apply just what’s needed.

R 04

The Right Time

The maturity of the crop and the weather are just two examples of timing considerations that must be accounted for. Crops need different nutrients throughout their growing cycle.

Equipment makes this possible

Remote sensing

The cab of a tractor only sits so high. Farmers need assistance to visualize their operation at an aerial view to detect dry or wet spots, nutrient deficiencies, or other issues impacting their field. To gain these insights, producers often rely on remote sensors such as cameras mounted to drones to collect the information to make sound decisions for their farms.

Grid soil sampling

By collecting and testing soil samples in a systematic grid, farmers can create an application map that shows exactly what each section of a field needs.

Variable rating

Through variable rating farmers can apply fertilizer, crop protection such as pesticides and herbicides to kill insects and weeds, and even water according to an application map that precisely provides information about what is needed in each area of the field. This helps growers to apply only what is needed.

Crop scouting

Technology provides helpful tools, but nothing replaces actually seeing what’s happening in a field. Growers scout throughout the growing season to look for potential issues such as pests or weeds and problems such as areas in a field prone to flooding.

Global Positioning System

Farmers use Global Positioning System (GPS) to get a precise location in a field to accurately map soil or crop conditions. GPS also allows equipment to run over the same tracks in the field so there is less damage to crops.

Yield monitoring and mapping

Yield monitors measure the flow of grain or soybeans as a crop is harvested. This information can be used to create a yield map showing where areas of high and low yield are in a field. By determining where high-productions areas of a field are, farmers can invest more crop nutrition and technology in those parts of the field where they may see more return on their investment than with the lower producing areas.

Geographic information systems

Farmers collect a lot of information about their fields. Geographic information systems (GIS) bring that information together in usable maps. When using GIS, producers can layer information (such as soil type, rainfall and elevation) about a field, bringing it all together to help better analyze the information to make informed decisions about planting, applying nutrients and more.

Explore other modern agriculture practices

Biotechnology

Using scientific tools and methods, including traditional breeding and genetic engineering, biotechnology enhances crops to have desired traits.

LEARN MORE ABOUT BIOTECH

Growing Season

Throughout the soybean growing season there are many practices farmers use to get the most out of each crop.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE GROWING SEASON

Crop Nutrition and Soil Health

Making sure growing crops are getting the nutrients they need is an important part of farming. It all starts with healthy soil.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CROP NUTRITION

Soybean Varieties

There are many considerations that go into selecting the right soybean variety — length of growing season, end users and potential pest and weed pressures, just to name a few.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SOYBEAN VARIETIES

The Cost of Farming

Running a farming operation is an expensive venture – and farmers pay for it with more than just money.

FIND OUT WHAT IT COSTS TO FARM

Sustainability

Sustainability is a pillar of soybean farming. Because of sustainable farming practices, soybean farmers have been able to farm productively for generations. Building on this productivity with best practices and new technologies helps farmers leave a lasting legacy, while cultivating a safe, abundant crop.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SUSTAINABILITY