Exploiting AgTech Connectivity to Corner the Grain Market
Introduction
I live in the countryside and know quite a few farmers, so the topic of connected farming systems often comes up in local conversations. Those familiar with Clarkson’s Farm will appreciate just how complex some tractor systems can be.
Tractor Usage and Autonomy
Tractors spend much of their time in private fields, creating significant potential for autonomy. However, the age of fully robotic tractors is still far off according to local farmers. In the UK, tractors serve many different tasks and operate in relatively small fields. Much of their time is spent hauling trailers around nearby areas. If fields were much larger, robot tractors might be more feasible.
Connected Farming from the Cab
I've personally spent time inside combine and forage harvesters, where autonomy and connectivity are quite advanced. Steering is automatic and guided by lasers or GPS. After entering a field map—either by driving around the perimeter or loading a high-precision map—the vehicle can handle nearly everything except turning at the furrow ends, though some models are advancing even in this ability.
"Steering is automatic; laser and/or GPS guided. Once a field map is entered into the guidance system, the vehicle can do just about everything, other than turn at the end of each furrow, though some can already do this."
Summary: Connected farming technology offers significant automation potential in the UK, though robotic tractors are limited by field sizes and diverse tasks.
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