http://www.dailyreckoning.com.au/technology-is-pushing-down-farm-prices/2008/04/11/ An independent perspective on the Australian and global investment markets Sat, 21 Nov 2009 10:39:45 -0600 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8 hourly 1 http://www.dailyreckoning.com.au/technology-is-pushing-down-farm-prices/2008/04/11/comment-page-1/#comment-17112 Warrick Sat, 12 Apr 2008 03:23:59 +0000 http://www.dailyreckoning.com.au/?p=2428#comment-17112 Farm efficiency is still improving significantly. I work with scientists developing techniques in two areas, both of which offer improved yields and reduced inputs. Crop modeling combined into decision support tools are just starting to become a reality for farmers (rather than research farms). Efficiency in water and nitrogen use, especially cutting waste of resources because we did not know what was actually happening, is reducing costs significantly while also improving yields. In addition, the models are indicating where to look for constraints on current production. These models are getting so good, we are frequently now saying "when reality does not match the model, check reality." Not trying to be over confident, but just showing that we can now start to pinpoint other areas where efficiency gains can be made. The second tool is Integrated Pest Management (IPM) where sprays are now frequently replaced with using beneficial insects, and often better monitoring is simply showing that no intervention is required at all. Previously, a farmer would have applied a spray. Again, efficiency in resource use (how much diesel is used in a single spray application) and frequently improved yields too. Farm efficiency is still improving significantly. I work with scientists developing techniques in two areas, both of which offer improved yields and reduced inputs.
Crop modeling combined into decision support tools are just starting to become a reality for farmers (rather than research farms). Efficiency in water and nitrogen use, especially cutting waste of resources because we did not know what was actually happening, is reducing costs significantly while also improving yields. In addition, the models are indicating where to look for constraints on current production. These models are getting so good, we are frequently now saying "when reality does not match the model, check reality." Not trying to be over confident, but just showing that we can now start to pinpoint other areas where efficiency gains can be made.
The second tool is Integrated Pest Management (IPM) where sprays are now frequently replaced with using beneficial insects, and often better monitoring is simply showing that no intervention is required at all. Previously, a farmer would have applied a spray. Again, efficiency in resource use (how much diesel is used in a single spray application) and frequently improved yields too.

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