The use of precision technology has been a pivotal evolution for agricultural practices, aiding farmers in crop management, resource optimization and operational efficiency. Compared to the row and specialty crop segments of our industry, precision is not as common in standard hay and forage operations, but those who are using it find real value in its benefits.

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers recently led a study on the environmental benefits of precision ag to evaluate the productivity change and resource savings triggered by the integration of precision agriculture across all aspects of crop production. Industry-wide, it is estimated that productivity has increased by 4% as a result of current precision agriculture implementation.

Precision is driving efficiency in the fields – efficiency in input use, fuel consumption, water use and the ever-valuable resource on the farm, time. Technologies, such as the more common autoguidance and assisted steering tools all the way up to full autonomy, are driving productivity in all segments of agriculture.

The value of precision for hay and forage

The same study indicated that current precision agriculture use has decreased fuel use by 6% and improved fertilizer placement efficiency by 7% – two costly necessities richly impacting the bottom line for hay and forage producers. Reducing passes through the field reduces fuel consumed, while accurate fertilizer placement without skips and overlaps optimizes forage quality, whether in the hayfield or pasture.

In hay and forage operations, precise passes through the field are critical. It can keep you from skipping grass when mowing, ensure you are raking straight windrows without missing hay and allow you to focus more on the operation of your machine rather than steering and navigating.

Customizable for each operation

It is important to remember that precision is not exclusive to new equipment purchases. Most new machines do come factory-fit with advanced technology, but aftermarket precision upgrades and additions for older-model tractors, forage harvesters and windrowers are readily available. Integrating precision technology for several applications can bring several different pieces of equipment together by allowing you to maximize the equipment’s performance, collect data to make optimized decisions and increase efficiency with each pass through the field.

Adding precision to equipment is completely customizable, based on the operation’s goals and preferences. For some operators, adopting with just one tool may be their choice to start, while other operators may choose to adopt several pieces of technology for maximum productivity. Either approach improves operational efficiency while keeping the farmer in control of their operation and in-field practices.

Precision options for hay and forage

Adopting any of the following technologies will help you save time, reduce fuel use and optimize each pass through the field. Your local equipment dealer can help you identify a good starting point or addition to your existing equipment lineup and field uses.

Displays: Precision displays are the connection point to other pieces of equipment used in your fleet. Sometimes coined as a “field computer,” the display is responsible for data management and improving field visibility and clarity. It communicates with GPS receivers, application controllers and other technologies used with your equipment.

Autoguidance: Guidance technology helps operators follow the same path for each step in the hay production process with sub-inch accuracy, starting with each pass of a windrower or mower. This helps you become more efficient in the field while maximizing the amount of hay picked up by the rake.

Assisted steering: Steering solutions pair perfectly with guidance technology. Ultimately, steering precision technology automates driving to reduce skips and overlaps in the field. With less focus required to navigate the field, the operator is able to focus more on cutting, raking or baling and reduce fatigue by the end of the day.

Bale automation: Bale automation technology improves the performance of the baler by controlling the speed of the tractor. This allows the hay to feed into the baler at an optimal speed for ultimate baling results.

Variable-rate fertilizer application: During fertilizer application for hayfields and forage crops, variable-rate application technology can improve nutrient management and minimize overuse, which reduces your input cost. With variable-rate application, different amounts of fertilizer can be applied throughout the field, and this also allows farmers to apply multiple kinds of fertilizer in one pass.

Sprayer rate technology: If hay producers are spraying any of their crops, sprayer rate technology is key for accurate applications. The technology also helps minimize drift and reduces input waste by applying different rates throughout the field, based on weed, disease or insect pressure.

Optimizing performance

While a full suite of precision technology may not be necessary for every operation, some technology can help hay and forage operations run efficiently while saving time, money and effort in the field. Hay and forage precision systems are ideal for lowering input costs and reducing passes in the field while optimizing every blade of grass for livestock.

Operations that adopt multiple pieces of equipment should integrate with a connected fleet solution to manage your equipment and field data through one platform, enhancing precision use across all applications. A shared software system for an operation provides one-stop visibility for field data, including application rates, yield and more, that helps enhance your work in the field. It also allows you to improve efficiency by being able to compare year-over-year or field-to-field data.

Your local equipment dealer is the expert. Lean on their guidance, support and knowledge for a customized plan for precision adoption on your hay and forage operation.