SMARTER FARMS ARE COMING
How Will Technology Impact Your Yields?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the
number of agricultural workers to decrease
by 8 percent by the year 2020. The reason
for this sharp decline isn’t because demand
for farming is slowing – quite the contrary.
It’s actually because farmers are becoming
more efficient. Similar to other industries,
those in the agribusiness sector are turning to
machines to get the work done in a way that
is more efficient and cost-effective.
That being said, those who depend on the
farming industry to make ends meet are
forced to consider the future and what it
means to be fully invested in a profession
that is statistically on the decline while
technological advancements are on the rise.
Not only are new types of farm equipment
being developed, but the advanced machinery
provides farms with cheaper ways to plant,
harvest, package and pretty much complete
every step in between.
A NEW ERA
Agribusiness leaders strive to realize
increased operational efficiency while
improving the methods of producing
dependable, high-quality products despite
nature’s unpredictability. To be successful
in their endeavors, many have embraced the
technological advancements that continue to
emerge.
We are in the midst of the “precision era”
of farming. Automation and data analytics
are now being used to complete essential
farming duties and the results have been
overwhelmingly positive, including a
notable increase in production and output.
Unfortunately, these changes have also taken
their toll on the human element of farming
– a trend that shows no signs of stopping as
more small- to mid-sized farms are opting to
deploy automation over human labor to get
the job done.
A LOOK AHEAD
The clear path ahead for those operating in the
agribusiness sector is automation, but what
will the industry look like once automation
takes a more substantial role?
First of all, we’re already seeing autonomous
robots, which are controlled by a single-
manned system, completing fieldwork.
Additionally, driverless and fully independent
tractors are being used to move effortlessly
and accurately across land. But, the future
of farming isn’t limited to work being done
on the ground. High above the clouds and
outside of our atmosphere, satellites are being
used to view and evaluate crop conditions,
giving farmers an abundance of data that can
be used to enhance their operations.
WE’VE SURE COME A
LONG WAY
All that being said, it’s important to note that
the autonomous machines used in today’s
farming businesses are still in their early
stages. As the price of intelligent farming
machinery comes down, their availability
will increase – as will their capabilities
(advancements are sure to be made every
year). But this still leaves us with the question
of the human factor. What will happen to
the people who are currently invested in the
success of your farm?
OPPORTUNITIES ARISE
Your team will go on to play an important
role – especially in the short-term. After all,
while the industry is shifting toward farming
automation, the transition isn’t going to take
place overnight.
In the meantime, there are additional
opportunities to explore. Perhaps learning
how to service the new systems is an option,
or maybe you would like to help manufacture
new equipment or even learn to operate the
new advanced machines. Opportunities
abound for those who are committed
to ongoing education and professional
development.
When preparing for farming’s future, consider
enhancing your skillset in these areas:
•
•
•
Problem-Solving: Having the ability to
identify relationships and solve complex
problems between agriculture and other
industries will be necessary for success.
Critical Thinking: The agriculture
industry doesn’t necessarily operate in
siloes (pun intended). Rather, farming
touches industries worldwide. This
means if you can interpret data and form
insights with minimal information, you
will be sought after in the industry.
Creativity: Today, autonomous ma-
chines still can’t handle every task
a human worker can or comprehend
randomness and emotion. That’s why
having the ability to use your ideas to
craft something new will be desired in
many industries.
Using automation throughout the agribusiness
sector will enhance productivity and empower
the industry as well as help individuals have
fulfilling professions. Don’t make the mistake
of thinking agricultural jobs for humans will
totally disappear. Automation will create new
opportunities in the industry to pursue.
I’m happy to share more of my thoughts about
the future of the farming industry, and how
farming workers can prepare themselves for
the future. Give me a call to talk more about
what you can do to ready yourself.
by: Mark Fearon,
CPA, CGMA, Principal
122 Fourth St. NW
P.O. Box 1020
New Philadelphia, OH 44663
330.308.6894
[email protected]
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Rise & Shine • Fall 2018