Growers in the top corn, soybean and wheat producing states are almost twice as likely to use precision technology than growers in other states, according to the most recent USDA Technology Use report released on Thursday.

For decades, farmers equated machine control with having two hands on the steering wheel, navigating their field on instinct and tradition. The onset of GPS guidance and auto-steering more than 20 years ago created profitable efficiencies, which served as the cornerstone of precision farming hardware innovation.

Strip-till and precision farming technology intersect on many strip-tillers’ operations to improve efficiency and productivity. While auto-steer and GPS guidance are almost considered standard on many farms, there is increasing investment in RTK-level GPS correction systems.

"Farmers are mechanically inclined and want to understand the 'how' and the 'why,'" says Haley Harms, founder of independent precision farming company Pro Till. "My goal is to teach the farmer, on his or her own system, to the point that they can troubleshoot in the field, and operate at maximum efficiency, without relying on tech-support for basic issues."