Precision experiments open the door to increased profitability
Farmer's Weekly|June 28, 2024
This article examines the value of on-farm precision trials and experiments and how they can facilitate the bridge between science and practice within a South African agricultural context.
Magda du Toit
Precision experiments open the door to increased profitability

Modern precision farming equipment, data-evaluation programmes, and digitalisation are paving the way for the introduction of altered cultivation practices on the one hand, but on the other, they also dramatically increase the complexity of running a farming operation. The relationship between a farmer and researcher or agronomist is also changing and becoming more complex.

One of the oldest and most labour-intensive activities in the world is now changing rapidly into a smart, data-driven industry. To keep pace with the changes, farmers are also compelled to embrace this digital, connectivity-fuelled transformation in agriculture in order to address production, marketing, traceability, and sustainability challenges. One can safely say that the agriculture sector is in the midst of a revolution, where artificial intelligence (AI), data and analytics are at the centre. The industry is counting on these digital technologies to further increase yields, improve resource-use efficiency, and build sustainability and resilience across crop cultivation and animal husbandry.

'I TRULY BELIEVE THAT THESE EXPERIMENTS ARE THE NEXT STEP IN PRECISION FARMING THAT CAN PROVIDE US WITH THAT ADDITIONAL 5% PRODUCTIVITY'

The tools at the fingertips of farmers, agronomists and plant breeders today would be almost impossible to imagine for those who were involved in agriculture a century ago. These tools are opening many doors to breeding, yield and production improvement, resource-use efficiency, sustainability and, in the end, food security.

Most farmers will agree that when it comes to gathering data, they are successful. But they need to go a step further: the data must be analysed and converted into information that they can apply in a practical manner to improve their farming management practices. The data should be turned into actionable insights.

TURNING DATA INTO ACTION

Denne historien er fra June 28, 2024-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra June 28, 2024-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA FARMER'S WEEKLYSe alt
Review: the Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 DC 4×4 GR-Sport III
Farmer's Weekly

Review: the Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 DC 4×4 GR-Sport III

The third iteration of the Hilux GR-Sport has finally achieved a sense of presence and style befitting its raceinspired branding. But is this the ultimate modern Hilux? Car Magazine takes a closer look.

time-read
3 mins  |
September 20, 2024
Why maize prices soar in Kenya and Malawi but not Tanzania
Farmer's Weekly

Why maize prices soar in Kenya and Malawi but not Tanzania

Namhla Landani, an economist at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, and Arthur Khomotso Mahuma, economist and researcher at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, analyse the issue.

time-read
4 mins  |
September 20, 2024
Wet carcass syndrome: a scourge in SA sheep farming
Farmer's Weekly

Wet carcass syndrome: a scourge in SA sheep farming

Wet carcass syndrome continues to take a huge financial toll on South African sheep farmers. Octavia Avesca Spandiel spoke to two experts about the ongoing genetic research aimed at addressing this issue.

time-read
4 mins  |
September 20, 2024
Pollination innovation
Farmer's Weekly

Pollination innovation

Bee-Tech Group is transforming South African agriculture with pollination technologies that boost crop yields and enhance sustainability. Founder Michiel Bruggeman spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel.

time-read
5 mins  |
September 20, 2024
The valuable addition that makes this farm tick
Farmer's Weekly

The valuable addition that makes this farm tick

Owning the value chain provides farmers with far more control over their produce. However, it requires a fine balance between production and ensuring there is a strong and steady market. Lindi Botha visited Rosemary Hill to find out how this essential oil producer leverages hospitality to make the farm viable.

time-read
6 mins  |
September 20, 2024
The benefits of recirculating aquaculture systems
Farmer's Weekly

The benefits of recirculating aquaculture systems

A powerful set of attributes has established recirculating aquaculture systems as a cornerstone of global temperate fish farming, writes Leslie Ter Morshuizen, owner of Aquaculture Solutions.

time-read
3 mins  |
September 20, 2024
Minister has big plans for emerging and commercial farmers
Farmer's Weekly

Minister has big plans for emerging and commercial farmers

DA leader and Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen spoke to Glenneis Kriel about his priorities for his department over the next five years, including an increased focus on biosecurity.

time-read
4 mins  |
September 20, 2024
New study aims to make wheat more disease resistant
Farmer's Weekly

New study aims to make wheat more disease resistant

A recent international study explains how bread wheat has helped to transform the ancient world on its path to becoming the iconic crop that today helps sustain a global population of eight billion.

time-read
4 mins  |
September 20, 2024
Conservation farming and biodiversity boost soil health and sustainability
Farmer's Weekly

Conservation farming and biodiversity boost soil health and sustainability

A recent academic event focused on research into the links between soil biodiversity, soil health and sustainable agriculture

time-read
3 mins  |
September 20, 2024
What has led to the unparalleled rice shortage in Japan?
Farmer's Weekly

What has led to the unparalleled rice shortage in Japan?

Japan is facing a rice shortage amid concerns about a potential 'megaquake', several typhoons and an annual week-long holiday, which has led to an increase in panic buying.

time-read
1 min  |
September 20, 2024