Looking Back, And To The Future

In-cab, on-the-move adjustments to equipment, row-sensing capability, robotic weeders and sprayers … the last decade has seen these and more move from prototypes to commercially available products. US experts look ahead at the next batch of developments.

- Joe Spencer

At this year’s National Machinery Show in Louisville, Kentucky, US magazine Farm Equipment reported on predictions made at the show 10 years ago and wondered what the next decade would hold. One forecast from 2007 was that auto-steer capability and other computerised systems would allow operators to increase the number of in-field adjustments to equipment while on the move, leading to better tillage, planting and other operations.

Today’s tractor and implement guidance systems, including those with row-sensing capability and devices to steer implements independently of the tractor, are proof that this prediction was right on the money!