The future of farming should be small. Smaller farms, smaller equipment, smaller financing, smaller risks. Some of the biggest challenges of modern farming is related to size, however, it is more common to see farmers focused on bigger farms, bigger equipment, bigger financing and bigger risks. This trend has led to fewer farms, fewer farmers, and a decline in rural communities. It also makes it extremely hard for an individual to begin farming on their own, and without taking massive financial risks. Would smaller systems enable a new generation of farmers?
One new approach to this problem could come in the form of automated systems. Smaller scale systems could function as a labor multiplier, and eventually they could become competitive with big farming practices. As the technology evolves, these systems will see much more widespread adoption.
Check out the link below to an open-source automated farming system called FarmBot.
Could an automated system such as this be the future of farming?
Is an expandable single system of ~$3,000 less risk than individual equipment costing ~$300,000?
Here at U.I.I., the size scaling and automation process of farm systems is an active research area. If you are interested in funding or collaborating research on this subject, contact us!