Farmers Use Apps Too!

Recent studies have shown that fifty-five percent of farmers own phones that are capable of running apps. Farmers in fact, according to a Pew study, are leading the way in app usage. In the world of farming, innovative technology has been designed to make it easier for farmers to maintain and manage their farms. These farming apps are designed to give the farmer information pertaining to their farms at the touch of a finger. The mobile apps help farmers, land owners and animal owners work faster and more accurately in the field – where their animals and crops need them. Farm businesses, now a day, depend on real time information. With the power of mobile apps, this work is made simple.
Many apps can be found in the App Store on the farmer’s smart phone. Mobile app prices range from free all the way up to $3.99. Depending on the location of the farm, the app or apps the farmer downloads will adjust its setting to that location. The Virginia Department of Agriculture says social media technology for farming use has improved greatly in the past year and smart phone apps are playing a large part in the success. “There are apps that can help map out the farm fields so that farmers can access data about production,” Matt Lohr, Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, said. “Some apps even record soil information – providing farmers with little details that make a big difference in productivity.”
Some popular apps for the agriculture industry include FarmLogs, TractorPal and MachineryGuide.
With FarmLogs, farmers can see recent rain on their fields, track field operations and get crop history for all their fields on the go. FarmLogs pinpoints exact locations in the farmer’s field that needs attention. When a problem is detected during the growing season, FarmLogs users automatically receive simple, actionable maps.
TractorPal keeps inventory and maintenance records for personal agriculture machines and attachments, including cars and trucks of any brand. It will also remind the farmer when service is required.
MachineryGuide is one of the first guidance software programs that functions as a precision farming application using an antenna, which makes the cultivation of agricultural land more efficient. It can be used for fertilization, manure application, spraying, sowing, plowing, etc.
There is an app for just about any farm operation, however, the impact such technology holds could extend beyond the field or barnyard. The farmers are developing and growing better products by becoming more efficient and therefore are keeping the costs down and ultimately keeping it cheaper for the consumer. But it is also helping the farmer create a safer product as well. Consumers continue to demand more in the way of checks and audits along the food chain. These devices will make it easier to follow some of the certification programs.
Family farms are continuing to grow in size. Managing them requires a high degree of detail and efficiency, and the smart phone apps are making that possible for the farmer. Amidst the enormous number of apps available, any farmer is sure to find one that suits their farm the best!