Precision Farming
Precision farming uses technology to improve efficiency. It offers benefits for yields, profits and the environment. However, uptake by farmers has been slow. This POSTnote describes precision farming methods, adoption and factors influencing it, and future practices.
AgricultureAnimalsPollution
Briefing
Key points in this POSTnote include:
- Precision farming combines technology with livestock and crop science to improve agricultural practice.
- Benefits include improved animal health, greater crop yields and reduced environmental impacts.
- Many UK farmers feel the costs of the technology are a barrier to uptake. The use of some techniques is more prevalent in northern Europe, Australia and the US.
- Automation of repetitive tasks reduces the need for some jobs, but precision farming does not replace humans fully, and creates demand for high skilled work.
- Data collected in precision farming has great value and potential, but it is not always clear who owns and has rights to use it.
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