Precision Agriculture

Precision agriculture merges new technologies born of the information age with a mature agricultural industry. It is an integrated crop management system that attempts to match the kind and amount of inputs with actual crop needs for small areas within a farm field. This goal is not new, but newly available technologies allow the concept of precision agriculture to be realized in a practical production setting.

Because precision agriculture has frequently been defined by the technologies that enable it, it is often called GPS agriculture or variable-rate technologies. But as important as such devices are, it only takes a little reflection to realize that information is the key ingredient for precise farming. Managers who effectively use information earn higher returns than those who don't.

Our goal at MU Extension is to provide educational opportunities that will help farmers understand how to adopt and manage the technologies associated with precision agriculture in order to improve profitability and efficiencies while protecting the environment.

Find guides, videos and other types of precision agriculture information on this site.

Remote video URL
Watch Basic Yield Mapping with Older AgLeader Yield Monitors on YouTube.

Developing yield maps

This video provides guidance on developing yield maps at low cost with older AgLeader yield mapping systems.

Remote video URL
Watch Utilizing CAN-BUS Technology for Measuring Energy Consumption on YouTube.

Using CAN-BUS technology

This video provides a basic update on utilizing CAN-BUS technology for measuring energy consumption with farm equipment.

A man gives a presentation with a drone for students.
Precision agriculture is a key part of the Agricultural Systems Management curriculum.
Agricultural site with a field and hills
AgSite Assessment Tool
Generate a free report on your land. Assessments help agriculturalists explore new production alternatives, learn more about land before purchases, and support lending and real estate appraisal activities.

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