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Precision ag benefits Iowa farmers, but concerns remain

Precision ag benefits Iowa farmers, but concerns remain


By Andi Anderson

Iowa farmers are increasingly adopting precision agriculture practices, but some worry about the potential downsides, such as mass consolidation and corporate control of the farming industry.

Precision agriculture uses technology to help farmers improve their crop yields and reduce their environmental impact. Farmers use GPS guidance systems, data-based soil moisture maps, and drone surveillance to make better decisions about where to plant, water, and fertilize their crops.

While precision agriculture can be beneficial for both farmers and the environment, some farmers are concerned that it could lead to fewer and larger farms. They also worry about the privacy of their data, which is often collected by agricultural technology companies.

In a recent poll of Iowa farmers, 52% said they were concerned that their data could be used by the government or corporations against them. And more than 70% said they were concerned that precision agriculture would lead to fewer and larger farms.

Despite these concerns, precision agriculture is likely to continue to grow in popularity in Iowa and other agricultural states. The benefits of precision agriculture are clear, and farmers are under increasing pressure to produce more food with fewer resources.

 

Photo Credit: istock-ekkasit919

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