And as modern technology evolves at ever faster speeds, farmers are now finding even more new and innovative ways to use these advances in the day-to-day running of their estates.

Here are some of the new technologies that are being adopted by farmers…

Satellites

We’ve been using satellite data for years now, from GPS to Google maps. And while it’s only recently that farms have begun to embrace this technology, it’s started to spread quickly. Farmers’ Weekly estimates around 60% of farms now use some sort of satellite data to monitor and control their production.

Satellites are integral to precision farming. This provides a unique view of crops and fields over large areas so farmers can monitor their health and growth levels to giving better accuracy for spraying feed. It also means control of tractors is more effective, getting to within 2cm accuracy.

Not only that, but satellite phones open up high-speed connectivity to farmers that are outside broadband areas. Farmers, especially those in areas like Africa and India, use satellite data to track weather movements, whether it’s the monsoon rains or drought prediction.

And as we’ll see below, they can be used to control and direct everything from drones to tractors.

Drones

From modern warfare to use on film sets, drones have become hugely popular and useful in recent years. And these lightweight flyers fitted with cameras can also be used on farms.

From spotting ewes having trouble lambing to new-born sheep that need some assistance, drones can help large estates manage their flock faster and more efficiently, often avoiding the need to spend hours driving across fields every day.

Additionally, the drones can monitor water levels in troughs during dry periods, see how pasture is growing and spot breaks in fences that need to be repaired. Combined with satellite data, they can also be used to monitor fields to spot any areas that need extra attention and how crops are growing.

Smart tractors

Tractors have moved on from the traffic-clogging beasts of old. Now, you’re more likely to find more technology in a tractor than in a top of the range sports car.

There are few road vehicles that can boast satellite-assisted, self-drive technology, a direct uplink for the vehicle to farmers providing information on crops, and connectivity with ground sensors and drones to direct them to areas of the field that need most attention, as found in the New Holland T8.435 vehicle.

And all this tech has practical benefits for the farmer who can not only spend more time in the more comfortable tractor but can use that time to look at the fields instead of having to control the vehicle.

Cow fitness trackers

Wearable technology has revolutionised how humans exercise and stay fit. Now, similar technology is being piloted on cows. A number of companies from small start-ups to international brands like Fujitsu are attempting to bring wearable tech to the farm.

The monitors can measure everything from when dairy cows are in heat to their general health.

Amsterdam-based start-up Connecterra has launched a product that measures the cow’s behaviour including walking, eating and ruminating. This information is then analysed to give farmers instant health updates. It’s hoped it can help reduce labour input, improve animal health and produce higher productivity from each cow.