Precision Farming Dealer editors encounter a variety of articles, social media posts, podcasts and videos that offer a unique look at various aspects of our great agricultural industry. Here is our favorite content from the past week:

How Autonomy is Forcing OEMs to Rethink Big Iron

Ag Tech expert Patrick Honcoop unpacks what he calls the looming innovator’s dilemma in the field. Is bigger equipment still the future? Or is it smaller and autonomous?

one big Tractor versus a Fleet of smaller autonomous machines

ExactRate vs. ExactShot

RDO Equipment’s Tony Kramer breaks down the differences between John Deere’s ExactRate and ExactShot fertilizer systems in the latest edition of the Agriculture Technology Podcast.

Planting with Purpose: Kinzenbaw #Plant25

When your name’s on the planter, you put it to the test. Join Founder Jon Kinzenbaw and President Susie Kinzenbaw-Veatch as they hit the fields for #Plant25.

Autonomous Tractor AgBot Put to the Test

Researchers recently conducted field trials with AMRC Cymru’s autonomous tractor — AgBot — in the UK. “Both trials observed the completion of two common grassland operations — mowing and cultivating — executed by three factors with varying degrees of automation technologies: fully autonomous, semi-autonomous and fully manual.” Read more in this recap from The Manufacturer.

Is Ag Economy Barometer a Sign of Optimism Among Farmers?

Tractor Zoom’s Andy Campbell checks in with an analysis of the latest Purdue Ag Economy Barometer. While the Barometer jumped 10 points, the Farm Capital Index dropped 6 points. Campbell says, “Historically, this investment index goes up when equipment values go down. Why? More money buys more horsepower. But right now, we’re seeing rising optimism paired with falling investment intent.” Translation? It’s not 2018, but it sure rhymes. Farmers may be feeling better, but that doesn’t mean they’re ready to buy high-horsepower tractors without blinking.

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