Illinois
COMMENTARY

Technology continues to change the rural landscape

Technology and research have changed rural life many times throughout the last century. It's fascinating for me to read and even listen to people talk about how they remember agriculture only 50 years ago. To think that a few years ago we were farming this land with two cylinder tractors, and a few years before that, the land was turned by "live" horse power. Take a look at agriculture today. We have machines capable of farming thousands of acres in an efficient and productive manner that could not have been imagined a few years ago.

Keith Ryan

Not only has farming changed in increased size and scale, but also in terms of efficiency and data. On-board Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and yield-tracking capabilities allows farmers to make better and more precise decisions in terms of matching the correct varieties and hybrids of seed with the proper growing conditions and soil types. This allows maximum production along with unmistakable positive returns to the agronomic bottom line. These high-tech and highly efficient practices only become more and more popular as we continue to see low commodity prices throughout the entire agricultural industry.

As technology continues to change agriculture by leaps and bounds, one must keep current with all the latest advancements to remain an agricultural leader. There are many ways to remain current with the newest unveilings and most talked about agricultural issues. One of the most effective ways to gain insight on these issues is to visit the annual Farm Progress Show. This year's show will be held near Cantrall, just a few miles north of Springfield, September 26-28. The Farm Progress Show will proudly showcase each and every one of the latest breakthroughs and technological advancements involved in agriculture. Not only will there be an 80 acre static display area filled with tents and exhibits, but also side by side field demonstrations, which allows close inspection of all the latest breakthroughs in machinery. The latest in Global Positioning Systems will also be incorporated into the field demonstrations. Yield data will be automatically tracked and available for review at a designated area in the 80 acre display field.

Machinery is not the only part of agriculture that has made significant changes throughout the years. The concentration on the research and development of seed hybrids has boosted yields using many different strategies. We now have hybrids resistant to diseases, which used to be capable of destroying a crop. Some hybrids are even resistant to certain chemicals, which allow for the most effective weed control practices ever encountered. Also available are hybrids resistant to pests, which have the capabilities of destroying a plant's stalk causing it to fall over in a non-harvesting position.

Agriculture has always been an energy-intensive business. Electricity and the electric cooperatives have certainly played a critical role in the advancement of agriculture technology. Be sure and visit the Farm Progress Show this year and stop by the Illinois Electric Council booth where you can visit with your local electric cooperative representatives and view some of the latest technology.

Keith Ryan, manager of the Farm Progress Show, is a native of Pana and graduate of Western Illinois University with a B.S. degree in Animal Science and a minor in Agronomy. He grew up on a central Illinois farm served Shelby Electric Cooperative, where he was involved in 4-H and FFA livestock Judging.

The opinions and views of guest commentators are their own and may not represent those of the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives or the electric co-ops of Illinois.

4 ILLINOIS COUNTRY LIVING • SEPTEMBER 2000