By Scout Nelson
Just one U.S. farm, on average, can feed 166 people annually in the U.S. and abroad, according to the Farm Bureau. Every day, you eat a fruit or vegetable that began its journey on a farm somewhere in the world.
There are 1.9 million farms across the country, with 95% operated by individuals, family partnerships, or family corporations, according to the 2022 Census of Agriculture from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Despite our reliance on these farms, they face a significant labor crisis.
In Kansas alone, a study from Kansas State University and the Kansas Department of Agriculture found that between 5,627 and 15,873 jobs in 72 agriculture and agriculture-related sectors are unfilled.
Farmers are no strangers to technology, but this labor shortage pushes them to automate more operations. CNH Industrial, with over 180 years of experience, now provides automated equipment to enhance farm efficiency and improve farmers’ lives. The company creates equipment for various crops in different climates.
“What’s unique about CNH and [agriculture] is we are one of the few companies that really services almost every type of farming area in the world,” said Marc Kermisch, chief digital and information officer at CNH, to The Robot Report.
The company invited The Robot Report to its Raven Innovation Center in Sioux Falls, S.D., to see some of this farm equipment up close. Located in the Great Plains, this facility is a space where the team can test and showcase its equipment to customers.
“As we build advanced robotics here, we are always thinking about ‘How do we cost down the technology so it’s affordable and it’s market-right for different countries?’” Kermisch said.
Robotics in agriculture offer several benefits. They help farmers manage labor shortages by automating tasks like planting, harvesting, and monitoring crop health. This technology also improves efficiency, allowing farmers to produce more with fewer resources.
Automation in farming includes the use of drones for aerial surveys, autonomous tractors for planting and harvesting, and sensors for monitoring soil and crop health. These innovations not only reduce the need for manual labor but also increase the precision and effectiveness of farming practices.
Despite the initial investment, the long-term benefits of robotics in agriculture are substantial. By reducing labor costs and increasing yields, farmers can achieve better financial stability and sustainability.
As technology continues to advance, the accessibility and affordability of these solutions will improve, benefiting farmers worldwide.
Photo Credit: istock-ligora
Categories: Kansas, Equipment & Machinery