IT-based agriculture a boon for farmers
With IT-based agriculture changing the way farming can be done, Lincoln University has developed a new programme to teach people the latest techniques. IT-based farming, known as precision agriculture, involves using technologies such as sensors to carry out soil or crop mapping. This allows farmers to use real-time data to place nutrients, fertilisers and chemicals with much more accuracy than would otherwise be possible. The University has recently begun offering a specialised second-year course in precision agriculture, currently the only course of its kind in the country. “This new IT world is more than just computerising existing farming,” says adjunct professor Dr Armin Werner, who runs the course and also works as the precision agriculture group manager at Lincoln Agritech Limited. “New approaches and tools are available to be used in all agricultural production systems, leading to important changes in the way farms are managed.” Dr Werner says precision agriculture improves profitability and benefits the environment, because water, nutrients and energy can be used exactly where needed and nowhere else, which enhances efficiency and reduces losses. Lincoln University’s precision agriculture course is part of a new Bachelor of Science (majoring in Agritech) programme. Department of Informatics and Enabling Technologies Head Dr Stuart Charters says the programme was established in 2013 to meet the growing demand for skilled staff who understand the demand of precision agriculture technologies. “The programme gives students the knowledge and skills they need to be involved with the next generation of precision agriculture technologies.” Dr Werner says precision agriculture has a bright future in New Zealand, due to the efficiency of our agricultural industry. “Having a high proportion of agricultural jobs in a highly-developed country is a unique combination. There’s a good chance New Zealand could be a forefront developer of new technologies in this area. This […]