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What farmers want to see next from ag tech

During a virtual Ag Tech Next table talk, three farmers outlined what they want to see next from ag tech.

Missouri Farm Bureau President and northwest Missouri farmer Blake Hurst focused on agronomic challenges.

“The biggest problem we’re facing is resistance to herbicides. It is pigweed and all it’s evil forms and shapes. So, if I am dreaming big that is it. And while we are out on the edge, gosh it would be neat if corn would fix nitrogen.”

Central Illinois farmer Ken Dalenburg says rural broadband is key.

“I am a mile and a half from one of the fastest fiber optics in the country that goes to the U of I and I have the equivalent of dial up service for internet. I realize the government is spending tons of money but there has to be a much better way.”

And northwest Illinois farmer Jake Perino would like to see technology connected to consumer engagement.

“Informing the final consumer about what happens on the farm. It didn’t used to be that long ago that people were so many generations distant from a farm. They have just lost touch with the conception of reality where if we didn’t have farmers, we would be naked and hungry.”

More advanced soil moisture sensors and more affordable remote sensing were also requested in front of ag tech start-ups and investors listening to the panel.