One of the frequent observations I’ll hear from precision farming dealers is that customers rarely utilize the full potential of their technology after purchase. During demonstrations, dealers can showcase multiple features of a product or system, but once farmers get into the field — especially during planting and harvesting — they tend to focus on one, maybe two aspects of the technology.

During dealership visits, it’s always educational to get a guided tour of the business and learn about recent enhancements, whether it’s a new product line, building updates or staff additions.

Seeing precision farming technology in action is always a thrill — whether it’s sitting in the tractor cab getting hands-on experience with a new auto-steer system or observing a dealer demonstration for customers.

Like many of my childhood friends, I grew up with an appreciation for nature and I cut my teeth as member of our local Boy Scout troop. I can still picture my mom sewing every one of those merit patches onto my uniform, which she recently found and returned to me, for sentimental reasons.

As dealers can attest, interest and adoption of precision farming technology by farmers continues to grow.

As many dealerships canvass the precision farming landscape for additional help, it was interesting to receive a call last week from an experienced precision technician who recently decided to start his own business.

While settling in last Sunday evening with my wife to catch-up on some dramatic television viewing stored in our DVR, we were interrupted by a restless 5-year-old who was clearly thrown off by daylight savings.

While navigating my first National Farm Machinery Show two weeks ago in Louisville, I made note of the number of potential next-generation farmers, dealers and innovators taking in the event.

Since becoming the technology editor for Farm Equipment and No-Till Farmer last year, I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know numerous precision farming technicians — many in person — during dealer visits and industry events.

It's 3 p.m. on Thursday, do you know where your precision farming specialists are?