4 Ways to Increase Farm Yields and Meet Increasing Food Demand

nc efi placeholder

The increasingly global food web and growing demand for agricultural products have created opportunities for increased production. To capitalize on this demand, farmers must adapt to the changing economy and environment. Several techniques and strategies have emerged as effective methods for maximizing production to meet the increased demand for food products.

1. Crop Tracking and Management Software

Technology has made itself known on farms in a big way. From helping you plan crop rotation to tracking and analyzing data, implementing the right technology pieces for your farm can help reduce costs and increase yields. GPS planting grids, soil monitoring sensors, and management software can streamline processes and boost productivity.

Combining GPS systems in tractors with GIS mapping technology allows farmers to analyze their land in a whole new way. GPS enabled planting systems allow farmers to pinpoint planting locations for the best yields. It can also be used to determine when and where to apply fertilizers, insecticides and weed control measures. Adding a universal quick attach adapter can help you switch between implements without sacrificing your GPS system.

2. Conservation Practices

Industrial agriculture can quickly strip the ground of natural resources like nutrients and water supplies. implementing conservation practices can help slow or even reverse that trend. A few that have shown promise in restoring soil quality are natural windbreaks, extended crop rotations, and conservation tillage.

3. Crop Specialization

Every crop has unique needs and affects the soil in a particular way. Understanding both what a plant takes and gives can help you choose the best ones for your property. When crop rotation is implemented along with careful variety selection, you can boost the health of your crops and soil while also increasing yields.

Choosing varieties that are well suited for your climate reduces the need for intensive management. These may be native species, or they may have been bred specifically for the conditions in your area. Either way, these crops will minimize labor and maximize yields. Consideration should be given to new varieties being developed to withstand higher temperatures and periods of drought.

4. Water Management Strategies

Incorporating effective water management techniques can help you use this resource more efficiently and effectively. Location, climate and crop choices will affect which methods work best on your farm. They may be a low tech as dry farming and as high tech as in-ground moisture sensors that are monitored remotely.

Ultimately, the goal of a farmer is to obtain the maximum yields with the minimum amount of resource input. Careful implementation of strategies that have been shown effective at this can increase production and help meet growing demands for agricultural products.