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7/3/2008
I recall about 5 years ago when Wal-Mart sent out a mandate to manufactuers that all products feature RFID tagging. I'm sure most of you have heard of, or perhaps have experienced RFID technology at some point in time. It's the data technology that allows a scanner to locate and pick up information from a chip that's embedded in something, sort of like a bar code that does not need to be exposed. The technology has become ubiquitous on many toll roads (chip placed on windshield) and in high-security clearance areas (chip placed on worker badges) to streamline security and traffic control.
But it has been used on precious few other applications, until recently. I had a chance to chat with Rich Bravman, president and CEO of Intelleflex, a company that specializes in RFID technology, in particular with applications that read large amounts of data over longer distances (greater than 15 meters). He told me that RFID is "Crossing The Chasm," to quote the famous technology evolution book by Geoffrey Moore, and will be affecting product distribution and tracking in a wide range of new industries, including agriculture.
In the years since Wal-Mart's announcement, RFID seemed to go dark for a while, a time when it was a technology in search of a problem to solve, says Bavmann. Today, providers are looking for industries with particular problems that RFID might be able to solve.
In ag, Bear River Supply in California has implemented RFID tagging to monitor and track equipment, and it's reaping clear benefits. “Using Intelleflex’s RFID solution we now have real-time visibility and better control of our assets, and expect to see a positive ROI within the first planting season – in less than 5 months.”
Bravman also shared a specialty crop harvest management solution that Intelleflex has developed using enhanced RFID technology, which you can find out more about on its website located here. More on that to come.
I've approached RFID with some hesitation because of the lack of adoption in ag, but with a clear example of success and what would seem to be a better approach to markets from the RFID industry, it would appear that now might be the time to give it another look.
posted by Paul Schrimpf @ 12:00 AM | 0 comments
6/27/2008
I received an interesting release from the Satellite Imaging Corporation, a company that provides satellite imagery and remote sensing services to agriculture. It came replete with a lot of complicated acronyms and head-spinning technical information, but the overall theme of the release was relevant: high resolution satellite imagery is becoming more accurate and reliable, thanks to an influx of high resolution satellite sensors from systems like IKONOS, QuickBird, and the soon to be introduced GeoEye-1.
In the big picture, satellite images are helping to show variations in organic matter and drainage patterns, which make it possible to track agricultural resources such as field fertility and water usage. This is especially important in developing countries like China, where demand changes have a significant impact on markets around the world.
For producers, improved satellite image data could meet the promise of providing real time analysis for making decisions on inputs and management options on the current crop, especially in conjunction with other georeferenced field data.
Since I started covering the high-tech aspects of agriculture, satellite imagery providers have struggled to meet the promise for improving agriculture management due to limitations of the technology. Remote sensing has fared better, through airplane and on the go sensor technology. Hopefully, we'll continue to see more improvements that make remote imagery a more viable and valuable tool in the precision ag toolbox for everyone in ag.
I invite satellite imagery providers to provide additional information and commentary below ...
posted by Paul Schrimpf @ 12:00 AM | 0 comments
6/19/2008
Two weeks ago we asked you to provide us some feedback on our efforts under the PrecisionAg brand, and you responded. About 100 of you took the time to respond with your thoughts and suggestions, and it's appreciated.
About 7 in 10 of the respondents have at least three years of precision ag technology experience, so the responses we got came largely from folks who have been in it for a while. In terms of topic interest, the top item respondents are very interested in reading about is variable rate technology -- not surprising given the cost of inputs. Not so long ago VRT would not have resonated so loudly on a survey like this.
Also high on the "very interested" scale was the Future of Precision Technology. Looks like we'll have to shine up the crystal ball and do a bit more prognosticating ... and invite our friends in the industry to do the same.
Also of high interest were some of what we've considered more niche subjects: remote imagery and sensor technology. Clearly you folks are looking for ways to be more efficient and effective in your field work.
We appreciate the direction you provided in your responses, and I welcome you to comment with any additional thoughts in the box below.
As for the winners of the Cabela's gift cards, here are the randomly chosen respondents:
Scott Janes, Miles Farm Supply
Scott Wilburn, MFA
John Harbison, TX Grower
Congratulations to our winners, and again, my sincere thanks for your support.
posted by Paul Schrimpf @ 12:00 AM | 0 comments
6/13/2008
Well, I just got back from our second annual PrecisionAg Institute research review and planning session, and I'm feeling a bit full. Our research partner, Dmrkynetic, presented the results of several weeks of phone interviews with growers that are well versed in the use of precision practices.
The headline news is no surprise -- input costs have growers using -- and expanding the use of -- precision technology. In the next issue of PrecisionAg eNews we will share more details about what they are saving using precision technology -- but suffice to say, it's a pretty significant number.
Look for more details next week -- in the meantime, feel free to share your precision success stories by submitting a comment below.
Oh, and all our thoughts and best wishes go out to those in Iowa, Wisconsin, and all the points inbetween suffering through the flooding and severe weather. You're certainly in our prayers.
posted by Paul Schrimpf @ 12:00 AM | 0 comments
6/5/2008
We are working on improvements to all the work we do under the PrecisionAg brand, and we need your help. In the process, you could be one of three lucky respondents to win a $100 Cabela's gift card.
Thank you for helping us out! We need your feedback as we continue to add content and depth to our PrecisionAg efforts. Click on the survey link below to get started:
posted by Paul Schrimpf @ 12:00 AM | 0 comments
