like the way the technology is working and really appreciate the information that it gives back to us,” he notes. One of the most significant advantages Dutton has observed is the reduction in material usage, directly translating to cost savings per acre. For a medium-sized grower like Dutton, controlling costs is critical to maintaining profitability. He emphasizes that reducing material use is one of the most effective, if not the only, ways to boost margins in today’s agricultural landscape. “The price of production materials will never go down,” Dutton adds. “But if growers can use less while still protecting their crops, they’ll be successful.” The ability to do more with less is the key to why precision agriculture and advanced technology are so vital to the future of farming, especially for the fresh produce industry. Beyond improving worker safety, these advancements offer substantial cost savings by allowing farmers to cover more land with fewer resources. Dutton remains optimistic, confident that these machines will only continue to become smarter and more resilient as they continue to be integrated into farming operations over time. He encourages small and mid-sized growers to embrace these advancements, sharing his belief that, “There is no need to fear this technology. You get out of it what you put into it.” The message is clear: adopting these innovations will not only streamline farming operations but transform how we feed the nation, ensuring a future full of affordable and accessible fruits and vegetables.
job is being completed,” says Sean Sundberg, HVC Business Integration Manager at John Deere. “By reducing the number of employees in or near the orchard or vineyard during the spray job, you inherently improve worker safety. Think overnight tractor operation, row after row in the dark, spraying material to protect crops. It is an incredibly important function, but it is difficult to find those that want to do that kind of work.” One operation embracing this shift toward precision agriculture is Dutton Ranch, a family-run wine grape operation in Sonoma County. Since adopting advanced technology in April 2024, Steve Dutton, a fifth-generation grower, has witnessed firsthand the transformative impact on his operations. The technology, SmartApply® Intelligent Spray Control System from John Deere, significantly reduces spray drift by precisely opening and closing nozzles to target the vines, in turn using less material per acre and extending the lifespan of each tank. Fewer refills and reduced operator exposure to crop protection material have improved both efficiency and safety, minimizing direct contact with potentially harmful agents. Dutton shares that his team, who uses the technology daily, has consistently provided positive feedback. “Their feedback is that it is working well. There is a user-friendliness to the technology that allows us to work through any potential hiccups. They all
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