As custom harvesters make their way across the U.S. and Canada this summer, I keep wondering what happens to all that yield data these machines are collecting.

The old adage 'talk is cheap' doesn't necessarily apply to precision farming business these days. In fact, a lack of conversation is costing dealerships potential revenue, at a time when it's needed most.

A recent post by Greg "Machinery Pete" Peterson got me thinking that increasing values on used tractors might be reflecting a different trend — is it possible the rise in used machinery prices is a sign of farmer backlash against new technology?

As precision farming practices continue to infiltrate more farms overall, technology is an essential part of strip-tillers' operations. Talking with farm equipment dealers, several have cited strip-till products as an emerging opportunity to complement sales of GPS systems and RTK subscriptions.

In September, I will be cutting the last electronic check for our family sedan, after what has seemed like an eternity of monthly payments. Thankfully, the car should outlive the term of the loan (knock on wood) and provide transport to many a baseball practice or weekend getaway in the future.

"Farmers are mechanically inclined and want to understand the 'how' and the 'why,'" says Haley Harms, founder of independent precision farming company Pro Till. "My goal is to teach the farmer, on his or her own system, to the point that they can troubleshoot in the field, and operate at maximum efficiency, without relying on tech-support for basic issues."