Thursday, January 11, 2007

Characteristics of Guidance Systems Adopters in Cotton Production

Steven W. Martin1, Swagata "Ban" Banerjee1, Roland K. Roberts2, Michele C. Marra3, Sherry L. Larkin4, Burton C. English5, Kenneth W. Paxton2, James A. Larson6, and Jeanne Reeves7. (1) Delta Research and Extension Center, PO Box 69, Stoneville, MS 38776, (2) 308 Morgan Hall, 2621 Morgan Circle, Knoxville, TN 37996-4518, (3) North Carolina State University, Box 8109 Dept. Agricultural and Resource Economics, NCSU, Raleigh, NC 27695-8109, (4) University of Florida, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, P.O. Box 110240, Gainsville, FL 32611-0240, (5) University of Tennessee, 308 Morgan Hall, 2621 Morgan Circle, Knoxville, TN 37996-4518, (6) Department of Agricultural Economics, The University of Tennessee, 308G Morgan Hall, 2621 Morgan Circle, Knoxville, TN 37996, (7) Cotton Incorporated, 6399 Weston Parkway, Cary, NC 27513

Technologies and practices are rapidly changing, not the least of which are computer- and satellite-related technological applications in agricultural production (Milla, Lorenzo & Brown, 2005 and Watson, Segarra, Lascano, Bronson & Schubert, 2005). These so called “precision farming technologies” are used to identify and measure spatial variability of crop yields within farm fields and its causes, prescribe site-specific seed, fertilizer, chemical, and other input applications that match varying crop and soil needs, and apply those inputs as prescribed using variable rate technology (VRT). One of the newest “add-ons” to precision farming is the use of guidance systems. Some of these guidance systems use lightbars and global positioning systems (GPS) to help equipment drivers stay on track. Other more advanced technologies, such as auto-steer, actually use GPS to steer the equipment down the row or across the field. As these technological advances continue, extension services must adapt as well. A recent survey of cotton producers from 11 mid-south and southeastern states measured the level of adoption of GPS guidance systems and other precision farming practices. Additionally, the survey evaluated the perceived level and confidence of service provided by extension personnel.

Poster (.pdf format, 104.0 kb)