Technology continues to change the way farmers operate, with today’s equipment capable of doing more than ever before.
Local farmer Adam Martin has seen those advancements first hand over his nearly 25 years in farming. Martin says whether those advancements have made harvest any easier is a tougher question.
“In some aspects, yes. In other aspects, absolutely not. A lot of what I do is managing everybody else around the combine. We’ve got grain carts running around, we’ve got semis moving in and out, and going different places. So not only are you focused on keeping your combine running the way it should, but you’re also focused on everybody else and making sure that we’re not making a mistake, putting something in the wrong place. It’s kind of a concert of equipment and logistics that you’re always thinking about.”
Martin says the monitors inside his combine help him track grain loads, available storage space and when another truck is needed. Newer combines also use sensors to detect broken kernels and debris, automatically making adjustments that once had to be done by the operator.
While those advancements have made certain jobs easier, Martin says they also come with some concerns. As computers continue to take over more of the work, he worries younger generations could lose some of the hands-on knowledge that comes with operating and adjusting equipment themselves.
