Standardization is a buzzword that comes up often in conversations I have with precision farming specialists. Whether they are talking about machinery compatibility or data transfer, the same challenges apply — being able to seamlessly provide a simple solution to a complex problem.

I recently had the opportunity to speak to a well-established group of farm equipment dealers at their bi-annual meeting near Chicago about the current state of precision farming, while also looking at what the future may hold.

While it’s been another unforgiving start to spring with fluctuating temperatures and snow still falling in some areas of the Midwest, precision farming specialists are nevertheless in the throes of planting season.

These days, precision farming dealers are downright giddy when it comes to talking about the potential unmanned aerial vehicles hold for agriculture. With each passing week, it seems more and more are partnering with UAV manufacturers to sell the technology.

There are some strange things going on right now within the world of precision agriculture. No, I'm not talking about things like zombie controlled tractors or drones that buzz the barnyard at midnight.

It’s hard to believe that only a year has passed since our editors assembled the first print edition of this publication. Reading through that inaugural issue again, one of the first things that came to mind was how much the precision farming industry has evolved in just a short time.

As a semi-avid user of social media outlets, I’ve come to terms with the fact that conversations with friends and professional colleagues now often start with ‘I saw on Facebook that you’… (insert activity here.)

I’ll admit to being a little old-fashioned when it comes to exchanging contact information with precision farming professionals I have the pleasure of meeting while attending events or visiting dealerships.

Having recently shuffled bedroom space at our house to accommodate the new addition to our family, one of the top priorities for my oldest son was making sure his Nintendo Wii was reconnected, post haste.