By: Vaughn Cassidy
The USDA has identified three pillars of sustainability for the agriculture industry: reduced environmental impact, increased productivity and yield, and a better overall economic result. Today's modern technologies are helping farmers make significant gains with all three pillars.
Integrated pest management, genetic engineering, vertical farming, automated biomonitoring of livestock, application of chemicals, nutrients, pesticides and herbicides and even autonomous machinery are all part of a revolution in traditional farming known as precision agriculture. Precision agriculture, as the name implies, means targeted application of inputs to grow crops and animals that maximize yields, reduce the costs, reduce the overall acreage “footprint” and, perhaps most importantly, greatly reduce the environmental impacts of large-scale farming.
Several private operations in Tennessee are also vertically integrated, meaning that the same producer raises their own livestock and feed, utilizing UT Agriculture’s expertise. For example, Tosh Farms, in Henry, TN, has almost 40,000 hogs in production and feeds them with their own row crops. By producing their own feed, Tosh Farms makes the most efficient use of land inputs to reduce soil erosion, nutrient run-off, and carbon footprint. The use of GPS technology and artificial intelligence in crop management makes such an operation profitable, able to generate quality production, and significantly reduce environmental impacts.
Precision agriculture has great potential to reduce farming inefficiencies and create a more sustainable industry. Becoming more efficient and productive can help minimize impacts on our environment as well as help keep food prices down. Leveraging these technologies to sustainably provide people with quality affordable food is a win for all Tennesseans.
