Precision Agriculture
What is it?
Precision agriculture is an emerging set of farm management strategies that can help producers gather crop information and apply site-specific practices to variable field conditions. Precision ag strategies fall under the umbrella of sustainable or conservation ag, as they can improve operations’ efficiency and sustainability by reducing equipment operation time, field inputs, overall costs, and environmental impacts. Tools used to implement precision ag management include remote sensing, drone technology, GPS guidance, plant testing, and other technologies that can guide machinery and provide producers with detailed field and crop information.
Who is it for?
Some precision agriculture tools have existed since the 1990s and have been used on larger operations, but many precision ag approaches are well-suited for smaller-scale production. These tools can be useful for any producer working within diverse field conditions or looking to use equipment and inputs more precisely and efficiently.
Example Applications
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The diverse and hilly topography of agricultural fields on the Palouse often creates highly variable field conditions. With precision ag technology, producers can program equipment that guides applications of inputs at variable rates based on the crop’s location in the field.
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For farmers who want to minimize potential overuse of field applications, tools like drone sprayers can be used to target- or spot-spray fertilizer or herbicide only where necessary with minimal labor input.
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Producers who want to make more informed decisions about the types and rates of applications can benefit from newer testing methods that measure various field and crop health metrics. In-ground sensors can provide real-time soil data, and lab analyses of individual plant samples conducted via sap testing can provide information on specific crops’ nutrient levels.
What resources are available to producers?
Many resources exist to help producers navigate available equipment and the latest precision ag research, as well as offset the costs of implementing these tools and strategies. Whether you are looking to get connected to sap testing services and receive financial support to cover lab costs or want to identify the best variable rate fertilizer system attachments for your equipment, there are natural resource professionals in your area and online resources that can assist you!
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While we do not have equipment available for producers to purchase or rent, PCD can provide knowledge, funding, and field assistance regarding precision ag services and equipment.​
Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) Regional Office
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(509) 397-4301, extension 3
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805 S. Vista Point Drive, Colfax, WA​
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Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) – SARE is a program supported by the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture in cooperation with the University of Maryland. SARE operates out of four geographic regions across the US and offers the latest news, resources, and research funding in topics related to sustainable ag.
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Washington State University Department of Crop and Soil Sciences – WSU department with faculty involved in research related to crops, soils, and various agricultural systems topics, including precision agriculture.
Interested in learning more about our precision agriculture programs? Feel free to reach out to the staff below.
Andrew Wolfe | AndrewW@PalouseCD.org | (509) 553-1850
Lauren Kirkpatrick | LaurenK@PalouseCD.org | (509) 553-1852