WIZARDRY CAN BE FOUND DOWN ON THE FARM; GADGETS COMMONPLACE AND ROBOTS AROUND CORNER AS FARMERS STRIVE TO COMPETE

The age of high technology is sweeping the world, affecting nearly every area of life in some way. That high-tech sweep is no more evident than in the field of agriculture.

From computers in combines, tractors and other pieces of farm equipment, to improving methods of drying grain and to automatic feeding systems for livestock and vastly improved recordkeeping, the age of high technology farming is here to stay.

"There is something new coming out all the time - just like in other areas," said Bill Meyer of the department of agriculture at Southeast Missouri State University. "Farmers are adapting and finding these to be some very useful tools."

The university's Demonstration Farm, which is highly computerized, teaches students the value of high-tech agriculture. For those who are already in farming, Meyer said the University of Missouri Extension Service is providing seminars and training.

"The more progressive farmers are going to it, but, in general, more and more farms are adapting every day," explained Meyer. "If they are going to stay in business they will have to. They can keep more complete records and have better information for profit potential analysis, and that's what we are all about."

Meyer believes technology in agriculture will increase.

The dairy industry has perhaps benefited the most from the technology boom, not only with automatic feeding systems but through recordkeeping, where production performance by each cow in the herd is individually monitored and steps are taken to improve production.

The human element is far from becoming obsolete in agriculture, but computerization makes it easier to manage and analyze larger herds and more acreage.

"I think everyone is beginning to recognize computers as a management tool," said Meyer. "They can do a better job of producing milk, meat and eggs," said Meyer. "In field production we have better records, and consequently can do better analysis of what we should do in future planning.

"It doesn't take the human out; it just gives them an opportunity to do more."

Meyer said he has read about robots, which have the ability to milk cows. But Meyer does not see robot use as being widespread anytime soon.

With computer systems more prevalent in farm equipment, just as they are in cars and trucks, farmers are having to rely more on dealers and service companies when they have problems with equipment.

"The day of the shade-tree mechanic is kind of disappearing," said Meyer.

George "Butch" Koeppel of Macke's Farm Equipment Co. in Gordonville pointed out that technology is changing rapidly in the agriculture industry. Like Meyer, he anticipates it will continue to do so.

"There is so much more available now than there was just five years ago, and, no doubt, the trend will continue," said Koeppel.

He pointed out that initially many farmers viewed computers as a recordkeeping tool, but now the technology has advanced far beyond recordkeeping.

"Technology has pretty well gotten into all areas," Koeppel said.

A system becoming more popular is one that provides "in-bin, continuous-flow grain drying" which helps prevent overdrying of grain that ultimately costs farmers money.

"Having the computer takes the babysitting out of drying grain," said Koeppel. "More and more people are going to computer continuous-flow drying systems because it simply takes the guesswork out." Previously, the grain was dried by putting it in bins by layers. Over drying grain by just 2 percent costs farmers $3,128 on 60,000 bushels harvested, if the price of grain is $2.20 a bushel.

There are also computers that can be added to combines, which tell exactly how much moisture is in grain being harvested and its temperature.

Koeppel said one thing technology can't provide is a way of giving bushel counts of grain, though he anticipates that is only a matter of time.

With livestock, there is a variety of uses for technology, enabling farmers to deal with each head of livestock individually.

Feeding systems are far advanced because they enable livestock to be fed a limited amount, and, in some cases, only certain types of food. This is used often with dairy cattle.

A device called a translucer is placed around the cow's neck and the feeding system releases only the amount of food that cow is entitled to. It also limits how much a cow can consume certain times a day. This kind of system enables milk producers to use "challenge feeding" as a way of increasing milk production.

In the swine industry, collars are used to manage the feeding program, the age of a sow, dates and records of past litters, and other data. The collars, by shifting feeding stations, can move swine to special holding pens or separation areas.

"The best thing about the livestock systems is that it enables you to deal with each head on an individual basis, and that is important in keeping breeding schedules and trying to get maximum production," explained Koeppel.

Overall, Koeppel and Meyer agreed that technology has provided a positive boost for the agriculture industry. Improved efficiency and greater management information will ultimately increase profitability of the industry, they said.