We live in an era of artisan kimchi and locally-grown farro.
Nothing says authenticity in today’s food world than returning to the past. Some farmers are even ditching their tractors for horses.
But this is also the age of Big Data. Computer-driven farming equipment is changing the way our crops are produced and the way growers relate to their land.
Beiser points out that while the ritzy new machines are impressive, farmers should look out for their privacy. Often, equipment manufacturers like John Deere and Monsanto retain access to their data.
The agricultural industry as a whole is also concerned about information leaking to ecoterrorists, as well as simple sabotage from competitors.
Still, Niemeyer says he wouldn’t go back to the old days, when he had just one test field whose needs he’d project all over his farm. Computers are coming to the field, and they look like they’re here to stay.
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