Every farmer inherits a farming philosophy, but age-old practices aren’t sustainable in today’s modern ag economy. As we approach Earth Day (April 22), I wanted to share how smart farming solutions in Mississippi are leading to even smarter natural resource savings.
Agriculture uses 70% of the world’s freshwater, but around 60% of this is wasted due to leaky irrigation systems, inefficient application methods, and thirsty crops grown in inadequate environments.
Smart farming solutions that utilize the Internet of Things (IoT) can help solve this water waste problem. Take B. Jones, a Mississippi farmer based in Yazoo City with crops that include cotton, grains, peanuts and soybeans. B. Jones is utilizing Precision King’s soil sensors and connected technology to reduce water consumption on his soybean fields by between 30 and 40%.
Precision King uses IoT technology to improve irrigation using remote moisture sensors, remote pump controls and the AT&T network to determine exactly when and where to water.
This technology also saves B. ample time and manpower in the fields. Precision King uses AT&T IoT technology to help monitor weather conditions and track equipment, allowing B. to make real-time decisions or shut off irrigation – from virtually anywhere.
U.S. Senator Roger Wicker supports this type of farming technology. “Innovation is critical to a thriving economy, creating new jobs and new opportunities for people and communities alike. AT&T’s investment is working to narrow the broadband gap between urban and rural communities. Delivering this technology can help make the Internet of Things (IoT)) accessible in Mississippi and across the nation.”
