By Mark Moran
A new report from a farm industry alliance showed high-tech ag practices in Iowa and the Midwest do not reduce pesticide and fertilizer use as much corporate ag operations suggest. Instead, some small farmers say precision agriculture takes a one-size-fits-all approach to the state's diverse croplands.
Precision agriculture employs GPS technology, drones and artificial intelligence to maximize yields on every acre of farmland.
Rob Faux, a diversified crop farmer from Tripoli, said it can work for large corporate farms but when it comes to small operations like his, understanding the nuances of the land is more important for maximizing yields. He contended precision ag is taking the skill out of farming.