BUSINESS connections Summer 2023 3 According to a United Nations report, the current world population of 7.6 billion is expected to reach 8.6 billion in 2030 and 9.8 billion in 2050. To meet the demands of this growing population, the agricultural industry will increasingly use smart technology in the next few decades. Smart Farm Technology Meets Growing Needs By farming smarter, growers can significantly increase efficiency, with greater output (crop yields) produced for less inputs (seed/fertilizer) per acre of land. They can also reduce the percentage of manual labor, lower financial costs, preserve natural resources, and minimize the impact of climate change. Smart technology in agriculture includes a wide variety of devices, equipment, and software—all powered by robust broadband connections, such as the ones provided by Rainbow. Here are examples in key categories: Real-Time Kinematic Technology (RTK) is a technique that enhances the accuracy of Global Navigation Satellite System positioning by using a fixed base station and a mobile rover. RTK can achieve centimeter-level precision, which is ideal for applications such as precision agriculture, surveying, and mapping. Precision Agriculture (PA) is a farming management concept based on observing, measuring, and responding to inter-field and intra-field variability in crops. PA is also sometimes referred to as precision farming, satellite agriculture, as-needed farming, and site-specific crop management. Autonomous Machinery refers to self-driving farm equipment that performs its duties without an operator sitting in the cab. Autonomous tractors have been designed to process and calculate their own position and speed, and to avoid obstacles in the field such as humans, animals, and objects. FarmManagement Software automates business management, record keeping, and accounting for farms and agribusiness. Water Management Technology is a new generation of irrigation hardware designed to help growers make better use of their water resources. For example, onboard center-pivot cameras and aerial surveillance now keep track of insect and disease pressure in real time while the machine also monitors overall crop health through measures of nitrogen uptake. The Rainbow Fiber-Optic Network can support these applications in our service area. Contact Rainbow at 800-892-0163 to discuss the Internet needs of your farm or ranch, including Wi-Fi network installation on your property. It optimizes use of natural resources, increases crop yields, and more
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