Incorporating insights from the Hay Kings podcast interview with Joey Koebelen of Deep Sand Technology, farmers exploring GPS technology for their operations can benefit from the following actionable steps:
- Evaluate the Need for GPS in Your Farming Operations: Assess the critical areas in your farming processes, like seeding, fertilizing, and harvesting, where precision is paramount. GPS technology enhances accuracy, minimizing overlaps and unnecessary expenses, leading to significant cost savings and improved efficiency.
Consider Retrofitting Older Equipment: Deep Sand Technology's GPS systems are compatible with new and older machinery, enabling cost-effective upgrades without investing in new equipment. This flexibility is ideal for farms with a mix of machinery ages.
- Understand Different GPS Options: Familiarize yourself with the range of GPS technologies available, from basic systems to advanced RTK networks like Real-Time Kinematic. Each level offers varying accuracy and functionality, with RTK providing the highest precision and consistency over time. Consider investing in higher-accuracy systems based on your farm's size and precision requirements.
- Plan for Installation and Support: Choose GPS providers offering comprehensive customer support for seamless assistance during crucial farming periods. Opt for systems, such as those from Deep Sand Technology, known for easy installation and user-friendly interfaces to minimize downtime and avoid complex setup costs.
- Leverage GPS for Advanced Farming Practices: Implement GPS technology for advanced techniques like controlled traffic farming and restricting equipment movement to specific lanes. This approach reduces soil compaction, optimizes input efficiency, boosts crop yields, and promotes sustainability.
Farmers can make informed decisions on integrating GPS technology into their operations by heeding these insights, aiming for precision, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in their farming practices.