technology

Craig Bell discusses the value of the data collected by Valley Insights, and the many ways that data benefits growers.         If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com...

The USDA rolled out a new website Wednesday, promoting the importance of rural e-Connectivity.  Not only does the site promote the need for 21st century connection, but lays out how the USDA plans to connect rural American with the internet, social media and much more.  ...

The next time you look over at a combine in the field and wonder how complicated it is to run it, technology is making things a lot more advanced.   Ag Tech Expert Chad Colby said, “Most now have one primary computer system. I would say a ...

It’s hard to envision a future of agriculture that doesn’t heavily involve advanced technology and data for farmers both big and small.   Nick Tindall of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers said there are now 6-10 onboard computers with more computer code than the space shuttle on farm machinery.   “We exp...

Late last month, state Representative Mary Dye held a roundtable in Spokane, discussing the importance of broadband connectivity and technology for rural portions of the state.  The Pomeroy Republican said today’s world moves at the speed of light, and that’s true for the state’s multibillion dollar agriculture industry.  She said when farmer...

Farmers in Washington and Oregon that own or have access to a computer has remained steady since 2015 according to a recent USDA report, but the number of farmers using them for farm business has increased in the past four years.   The number of producers in the Northwest using cable internet has really jumped, from five to 18 percent in Washington and six to 20 percent in Oregon though most produ

The push for building and perfecting self-driving cars seems to be coming to our roadways more quickly these days, but farming has known autonomous vehicles for some time.   Beverly Flores of John Deere said this is an area where the farming community can teach the tech community.  ...

Big data might sound a little too much “big brother” for some farmers, but it is quickly becoming a large part of growers’ move to precision agriculture.   Jake Flanders of John Deere said there is even more to come.   “We’re going ...

Whenever discussing direct seed or no-till efforts, one of the early questions is around the use of technology, and if it can be incorporated with existing equipment.  Jason Wilson is a precision specialist with ATI, he said much of the technology, has been around for 12-plus years, making it easy to integrate with existing equipment.  ...

The Natural Resources Conservation Service has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with other government and private organizations that will help promote ag technology and conservation.   The agreement contains three primary goals; Developing case studies on soil health and the four Rs, hosting a national orientation and training event and creating a program to highlight successful, local p