"When you start to explore your options then you discover new ways to achieve your means in a more environmentally sensitive manner." Photo: Satelite Imagery mapping crop data, such as soil compaction, yeild, fertility, and pest infestation. In traditional farming the crop field has been treated at one economic unit. The field is sown, fertilized, and sprayed at the same rate at great cost to the farmer. Bruce Farms of South Lake is presently involved in research and development on precision farming. The project began in 1997 and is being supported by Agriculture Canada. The three year research program uses modern technology to learn more about the soil resource. With the help of a soil research scientist, Bruce farms will gather and interpret specific information about the soil and crop yield abilities over a period of several years and make that data available to the farming community. "The key to successful precision farming is to get good comparative information," says Roger Bruce. It must be collected as accurately as possible to be effective and it may take four to six years before some data patterns come to light. The net goal of precision farming is to protect or enhance your soil resource. You will learn how to minimize impacts, overall costs, production costs, and maintain or improve crop yields. Figure: Exact coordinates help farmers apply precise treatment to areas mapped out in the affected areas. With the help of a Global Positioning System, a field is drawn and broken down into small plots. The exact location and size of these plots are transmitted into a receiver on board your planter, harvester, weeder, plow, etc. The computer tracks acreage rates, herbicide use, weather conditions, pests, crop yields, inputs, productions, and crop rotation information. Once this data is analyzed in its entirety, the farmer will note where crop yield is poor and analyze the reasons why. The treatment will be easily identified and delivered specifically and precisely to the problem area. Bruce Farms is using a computer software package called "Farm Works" from CTN Data Service of Hamilton, Indiana. The system tracks inputs by field with accounting data and develops appropriate farm management reports. Bruce Farms is currently analyzing the cost of production -- inputs, labour, and machinery and will have an "enterprise statement" per field. (Profits per field) Accurate and precise crop, soil, and yield data Virtually eliminates over fertilization and waste Eliminates under fertilization Allows quick and exact analysis of problems and appropriate correction methods. For More Information The RDS Precision Farming System is available from Innotag Inc. of Beloeil, Quebec. E-Mail: innotag@generation.net Contact Barry Thompson, G.I.S. Project Coordinator at Agriculture and Forestry for more information on partnerships, the Primary Resource Development Program, and New Technology Assistance. Phone: 368-6366 Email: blthompson@gov.pe.ca

Some photos and technical information courtesy of the P.E.I. Department of Agriculture and Forestry