The types of ag technology that manufacturers are developing, dealers are selling and farmers are adopting is changing. A combination of factors are contributing to the evolution, including market instability, commercial momentum for increased machine automation and more connectivity with technology.

While there is still a mix of optimism and skepticism surrounding the overall farm economy, one bright spot could be the precision farming segment. Respondents to the recently released 11th annual No-Till Farmer Operational Benchmark Study, forecast increased adoption of 11 different precision technologies in 2019, compared to last year.

One of the key aspects to advancing wireless machine-to-machine communication is the capability to have reliable cellular coverage, especially in rural areas.

With equipment automation and data connectivity areas of trending importance for manufacturers, at last week’s National Farming Machinery Show in Louisville, we invited companies to offer a perspective on how and when blockchain will emerge in ag.

As the ag industry trends toward broader integration of equipment automation and machine learning, companies are looking for skilled talent to lead the evolution. While traditional avenues for recruiting and retention of tech-savvy talent still produce quality hires, a broader search can attract and develop an alternative pipeline of talent.

One of the most talked-about sessions looked at creating a culture of advancement and growth within a precision dealership. Skip Klinefelter, owner of Linco-Precision in El Paso, Ill., noted during his opening general session that success and survival of precision dealers will require continuous collaboration and internal problem-solving — both of which are cornerstones of stability.

As dealers turn their attention to the new year, 2019 looks to be a relatively strong one for precision sales. According to Ag Equipment Intelligence's 2019 Dealer Business Outlook & Trends report, some 40% of North American dealers cited precision farming products as their best bet for improving unit sales this year.

Equipment automation, drone-based nutrient application and hybrid or electric machinery are among the innovations which are trending toward broader application, perhaps as soon as 2025, according to results of a recent study conducted by consulting company Roland Berger.

The manufacturing models of the farm equipment and automotive industries are intertwined, with innovations developed for consumer vehicles often finding their way into the production of ag machinery.

Learning from early experience selling and supporting the recurring revenue program, Devin Dubois, vice president of Integrated Solutions with Western Sales, recently helped expand the dealership’s precision platform to include independent precision software support for 6 other dealer groups in the region.