The development of modern technologies impacts all spheres of human activity, including the agricultural sector. Smart farming is a relatively new concept of advanced farm management. Smart farming in agriculture involves using various software and equipment to optimise and automate routine processes. 

With the spread of the Internet and mobile devices, such technologies have become available not only for large companies but also for small private farms. It helps growers optimise production and compete with larger agro companies. Since smart agriculture practices have undeniable advantages for businesses over conventional methods, it is worth exploring the features of this approach in more depth.

What is smart farming?

The essence of smart farming is the introduction of new technologies in agricultural activities. The use of drones, artificial intelligence, big data, IoT, satellites, and so on makes farming and agriculture “smart,” allowing growers to optimise the work and get better results. All this reduces the percentage of manual labour, lower financial costs, and increases production volumes, making agribusiness more cost-effective.

Now the use of advanced technologies in farming is more relevant than ever. According to forecasts, the world’s population will grow by 34% by 2050. It requires higher crop yields and optimised use of natural resources. Climate change is exacerbating the situation. All this makes the introduction of effective methods into the work a necessity. 

How could smart farming help local farming?

Today’s service and technology providers offer growers access to tools and techniques to optimise literally every step of the activities, from monitoring fields and using drones for pesticide delivery to creating the perfect greenhouse climate and harvesting. Climate smart agriculture is a separate approach that focuses specifically on the impact of weather conditions on agricultural decision-making.

At the same time, growers should know the difference between smart farming and precision agriculture. While the first approach uses advanced tools to make farming a more predictable and efficient process, the technologies of the last one focuses on obtaining the most accurate measurements.

Smart Farming Benefits

The technical breakthrough that the agricultural sector has been experiencing in recent years can radically change the format of work for both small farms and large enterprises. The introduction of modern farming technologies is taking place at such a rapid pace that these techniques are becoming available not only in developed but also in developing regions.

Just as digital technology makes many tasks more straightforward in the office, it can significantly improve work in the field. In general, smart farming provides growers with the following advantages:

• speeding up data collection and processing;
• increasing accuracy and precision level;
• enhancing production efficiency;
• reducing production costs;
• lowering the need for manual labour;
• increasing crop yield;
• minimising driver stress;
• simplifying risk forecasting;
• streamlining task recording and reporting

Robotic systems, drones, mobile apps, satellite images analysis, and other modern smart farming practices can be effective not only directly for farmers. 

The term “smart farming” is quite broad and includes various tools and technologies to optimise agricultural activities. Among the most effective and convenient smart farming tools are the following:

1. Machine learning: self-learning technologies give you the power to predict changes in climate, soil and water parameters, carbon content, disease and pest spreading, and more.
2. Smart farming sensors: sensitive sensors help farmers to monitor the slightest changes in the fields in real-time.
3. Drones and satellites with cameras: growers can create regularly updated maps and monitor the territory remotely without the need to go to the field.
4. Big data: without them, it is impossible to imagine the possibility of accurate forecasts, activity planning, and designing more efficient business models. Smart farming and big data allow you to make long-term decisions and take action right now.
5. Internet of Things (IoT): gives you the opportunity to combine all the tools and solutions into a single system. All devices and software can exchange data and perform specific actions based on patterns.

Smart farming technologies compare favourably with older analysis methods, as this technique can take into account many parameters simultaneously and minimise the likelihood of error.

A huge network of sensors, drones, applications, and other agriculture software and equipment is not easy to manage.

This smart farming approach improves overall plant productivity, reduces waste, and optimises electricity, fuel, water, and fertiliser use. Moreover, depending on the characteristics of the business and sensor data, farmers can decide which processes should remain in manual mode and which tasks are best automated.

Smart farming is the future of all agricultural production. Its implementation allows growers to arrange effective production management, meeting the population’s growing demands and, at the same time, creating a humane and eco-friendly environment. Modern technologies can offer farmers extensive control, monitoring, planning, and exploration capabilities.

At Global Farms, we are sure that a good number of our farmers have started to implement smart farming. Join our platform to showcase your products!