1. The brains of the operation
Trimble's AgGPS 170 Field Computer - a souped-up PDA - controls a raft of precision agricultural activities. Its FieldManager software sets fertilizer and seed distribution levels, reads and records topographic maps, and monitors crop yield.
2. Behind the wheel
A navigation computer like Trimble's AgGPS Autopilot RTK controls the steering, hydraulics, and throttle systems. The operator plugs route details - like speed and row width - into the user interface, and the autopilot keeps the machine on a path accurate to within 1 inch. High-end systems even account for the pitch and yaw of the tractor, allowing the operator to focus on the implements rather than the driving.
3. The tractor tracker
Corporate farms use hundreds of pieces of equipment to cultivate thousands of acres across states. How do they coordinate everything - and keep an eye on employees? Qualcomm's GlobalTracs sees all. The system collects data such as an implement's location, use, and operating hours, then sends the info to Qualcomm's network management center. Farm supervisors can monitor it all via the Web.
4. Cleaner horsepower
Under the hood, today's tractors are more like high-performance European sedans than the noisy, diesel-spewing farm implements of yore. The Steiger STX325 features a turbocharged engine kicking out 350 horses and a high-pressure fuel system that optimizes efficiency and slashes sound and particle emissions.
5. The analog alternative
If your system crashes, you can always refer to The Farmers' Almanac, which has been around since 1818. It uses a "carefully guarded proprietary formula" that considers sunspots, moon phases, and other astronomical factors to provide detailed long-range weather forecasts. Faithful readers claim the predictions are accurate 85 percent of the time. Five million city and country folk plow through the Almanac to help determine planting and harvests each year.
START
Hype List
The Transparent Burger
Mmmm ... Innoculicious
How to Avoid a Heat-Seeking Missile
Power Ball
Love, Algorithmic Style
One Click, One Vote
Super Hoe
Data Storm
jargon watch
Not Just for Abortion Anymore
Quit Squeezing the Fruit!
Plastic on Steroids
The Case for Staying Off Mars
Wired l Tired l Expired
