GPS and guidance systems might be technology taken for granted in some precision farming circles, given they were some of the earliest innovations adopted on farms. But the success of these systems is still rooted in signal reliability. Acquiring and maintaining a connection can be a challenge, even as cellular networks have become increasingly reliable.

Consolidation is trending in the precision farming industry with several equipment manufacturers, hardware suppliers and data management providers merging or forming business partnerships in recent months.

For the third year in a row, U.S. dealers are forecasting fewer additions to their precision farming departments, according to Ag Equipment Intelligence’s 2017 Dealer Business Outlook & Trends report.

Anticipation mixed with a little anxiety as to how soon autonomous vehicles will be roaming farm fields in North America continues to build. Some experts and manufacturers forecast that within the next 3 years, the autonomous industry will begin to take shape in agriculture.

John Deere filed a response to the U.S. Department of Justice’s lawsuit seeking to block the company’s planned purchase of Precision Planting from the The Climate Corp.

While momentum for unmanned aerial vehicle adoption in agriculture has somewhat slowed during the downturn in the market, there is still buzz and optimism surrounding the technology as a valuable tool.

The benefits of precision farming translate to multiple farming practices, but strip-till is often cited as a system in which technology is essential. Banding nutrients beneath the soil surface and accurately planting into a fertile seed bed are cornerstones of strip-till, enhanced by a reliable guidance technology.

As the field of data management service providers in agriculture becomes increasingly crowded, more attention is being paid to companies that can provide a tangible return on a farmer’s investment.

Moving into the second quarter of 2016, many precision dealers are maintaining a conservative sales outlook for the foreseeable future. But there may be reason for optimism, based on the recent results of No-Till Farmer’s 8th annual Benchmark Study.

While North American retailers forecast another challenging year for new equipment sales, technology sales are projected to rebound at a quicker pace, according to Ag Equipment Intelligence's 2016 Dealer Business Outlook & Trends report.