I continue to be amazed at the level of technology and innovation in agriculture. I’ve shared some of my experiences and “wow” moments at various farm shows, but no matter what I see in action I am still like a kid in a candy store.
And to be sure, technology is changing agriculture at a very rapid pace. I can recall some of the first site-specific farming technology that was cobbled together and worked sporadically. Now, it’s plug and play technology that is a mainstay for today’s producers.
You have to marvel at how some ideas—even some we might consider trivial—can be put in the hands of researchers and brought to life.
It is these innovations that are being honored by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers. ASABE recently announced the winners of the 2012 AE50 Awards, which recognize “the world’s best technology innovations introduced in 2011 for the agricultural, food, and biological systems industries.”
According to ASABE, this year’s winning products include agricultural equipment and implements; control systems; irrigation equipment; and a low-cost, easy-to-assemble shelter for the disaster-stricken or impoverished. Several companies have won multiple awards.
It’s a list worth reviewing, if for nothing else but to realize how technology and innovation is advancing in agriculture.
So what would you rank as the most earth-shattering ag innovation in the past 20 years?
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- Case IH to use Selective Catalytic Reduction technology to meet Tier 4B engine emission standards
- Putting the brakes on the move toward bigger equipment
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