from the editor | toby gorman
F
This technological
revolution isn’t just
for urbanites.”
16
or the 80-plus per cent of North Americans who reside in urban
areas, it is easy to believe that technology is reserved only for
those who live in the city. Our city lives, after all, are immersed in
technology. We’re connected by smartphones, transported along
our roads by vehicles with sophisticated computer systems, and we
rely on myriad apps that automate virtually everything we do. This
technological revolution isn’t just for urbanites, however. Technology
in the field of agriculture is also moving swiftly forward. While the
modern farmer still maintains his or her stereotypical elements —they
still rise at ungodly hours—the tools they use are as sophisticated
as any employed in the city. In this issue of Maximum Yield, we
explore the changing face of agriculture and its emerging technology.
Cory Hughes provides us with a 10,000-foot view some of the new
advancements in traditional agriculture, including automated
agriculture, artificial intelligence, and the rise of agbots. Meanwhile,
Tim Jennings takes us closer with insight on amazing technology
like micro drone pollinators, also known as RoboBees. These smart
little robots are the result of collaboration by some seriously smart
propellerheads who are looking way into agriculture’s future. Both
features are worth a read. Of course, not everybody is a techie. For
many, the pursuit of growing still means getting their hands dirty in
some soil or maintaining an indoor hydro system. We’ve got those
covered, too, with Sara Elliott’s article on the delightfully simple
but effective herb spiral or Frank Rauscher’s comparison between
deep water and NTF systems. No matter where you live, the
city or country, the team here at Maximum Yield wishes
you a happy new year and success in all your growing
pursuits. If you have any questions
or comments, feel free to e-mail us
at [email protected].
Maximum Yield USA | January 2017