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“ It’ s an awesome tool that has allowed huge advances in production,” he says of genetic engineering.
As consumer resistance is overcome by better information, understanding, and increased demand, biotech and genetics will continue to satisfy the world’ s need for safe, affordable and high quality food.
‘ flying tractors’ will cultivate fields, apply nutrients, monitor fields and reduce waste
While it’ s still early days, the sky is, literally, the limit when it comes to predicting the influence of drone technology on agriculture. These Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, or UAVs, are being likened to flying tractors with the potential to transform agricultural operations in virtually all areas.
Imagine an unmanned mid-sized helicopter, about one-third the size of a normal manned helicopter, and a cherry orchard. Rainwater clinging to the crop risks serious damage to the maturing fruits. As the drone hovers close to the cherry canopy, the downdraft created by the rotation of its wings safely and efficiently disperses the accumulated water.
There’ s no need to imagine it. Lav R. Khot, an assistant professor at WSU-CPAAS, Biological Systems Engineering, has already tested the technology. Because the water threatens the very thin skins on maturing cherries, growers often hire helicopters to fly low and disperse the water, at considerable expense and risk to the pilots. Khot says an unmanned mid-sized helicopter can get much closer to the crop than manned aircraft, with less cost and no risk to a pilot.
Zhang sees additional potential. UAVs flying at low altitudes can monitor crops, feeding data and images back to the grower. While growers will likely still“ walk the field,” the aerial view and intense data collection drones can provide will increase in value, adding to the richness of existing yield mapping technology.
One day, he says, small drones may even be used to chase birds away from the orchard to protect blueberries and cherries. Who says farming can’ t be fun?
the fields themselves will change to facilitate efficient use of drone and robot technologies
To make efficient use of agtech, growers have begun changing the architecture of the fields, says Jon DeVaney, president of the Washington State Tree Fruit Association. Plant shapes and field design are being altered to improve productivity.
“ People think of orchards as trees, what a child would draw,” he says. But the modern orchard is more like“ a wall of greenery,” trellised trees packed in like wine grapes.
“ People think of orchards as trees, what a child would draw. But the modern orchard is more like‘ a wall of greenery,’ trellised trees packed in like wine grapes.”
— Jon DeVaney, President, Washington State Tree Fruit Association
The increased densities have led to an increase in the overall crop of 54 percent since 1993 even as total acreage has remained relatively constant.
DeVaney explains that growers can do more with mechanization by creating an even, consistently planted orchard. Ladders may eventually be eliminated entirely as motorized platforms carry workers down the line, allowing them to pick more fruit, more safely and in less time. The cost of the platforms will influence the pace with which they become standard.
While the gains already achieved are impressive, there’ s more ahead.
robot-assisted harvests will reduce dependence on labor
Stuhlmiller doesn’ t hesitate when asked what the next big agtech innovation will be.
“ Harvesting,” he says.“ Getting the most effective mechanical harvester will be transformative.”
The harvest represents the single largest requirement for seasonal labor, which many believe is in uncertain and short supply. And, as the minimum wage goes up and other employment policies take effect, it’ s increasingly more expensive.
The biggest obstacles to harvesting fresh fruit are damage to the product, speed, efficiency and cost. Zhang says they have had success at reducing damage rates, from 60 percent to 15 percent, but that’ s still too high. Some efforts get close to a more acceptable 6 percent. Private firms, he says, are making huge strides.
Robotic picking arms pick one apple at a time, using cameras to assess whether the fruit is ready. While the technology exists,
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