Compounding this challenge are many other factors with which farmers must contend, including shrinking available farmland per capita, constantly evolving pest and weed resistance, competition with expanding urban areas for scarce natural resources (such as water), and ever-increasing dramatic weather events. And even with these big worldly challenges, I’ve never been more optimistic or excited about the future of farming. Technologies that were once barely imagined have become critical parts of today’s farming practices and crop yields have never been higher. At the same time, modern agriculture is producing more food on less land and is doing it all more sustainably than ever.
This micro planter from Iowa cultivates fields in a swarm: Its six legs provide the necessary stability for uneven farmland. Prospero checks whether a certain section of the soil has already been planted. It digs holes, places seeds, marks the spot and if required also sprays fertilizer or herbicides.
And even as larger research-based companies have continued to supply a steady stream of new chemistry, biological products, traits and seed varieties to farmers, a vibrant industry of smaller innovators has flocked to agriculture. Collectively, these startups are incredibly varied in their scope...
Read the full article on Agri Africa.
