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Originally Posted by shalym
I don't understand...Ok...so they could definitely have software that creates a timestamp of when and where the machine was run, and I guess they could weigh the amount of seed and approximate how much was planted, but how would they tell *what* is planted unless the farmer told them?
Shari
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There's sizing and parts that deal with seeds. They even send farmers an email when they need to buy pesticides and such because they track as much of that as possible.
Here's a related article to the ones above.
http://www.wired.com/2015/02/new-hig...tmare-farmers/
I read the other one concerning planting on another site and I can't find it because I read it too long ago. But essentially, the equipment knows what is being planted because the design it such that they track how many acres are planted and with what because the farmer logs the hours and also uses their programs/designs a certain way with certain seeds/sprays. I'm guessing based on the limited farming I did that the tractor is set up a certain way in order to plant the various seeds. Corn seed is not planted the same way as beets or soy. But when I read the article I remember thinking, 'How did they ever give over such control to the tractor companies?" If the companies know essentially how much you and your 80 neighbors plant, this can give them a huge advantage in not only selling seed, but in the entire commodities (stock market) exchange. And if they don't share the info with farmers or share it sparingly, the farmer is at a disadvantage.
It's really quite astounding.