booster pumps, water trucks, and whatever else they want to track. “We are currently in Stage 3 of our testing and have about 150 Pulse Telematics units deployed at this time. It is providing a great view of the working farm in one convenient dashboard.” The company is always looking at other equipment to add to its arsenal such as automatic harvesting equipment, but Walker said “a great replacement for the human eye” has yet to be found. “I think the next thing we need to automate is harvesting, but it is much easier said than done. PAR has envisioned a pathway for a complete automation process from planting to harvesting but the technology to provide those functions is not available as of today or are too slow to be considered viable,” he said. “PAR would enjoy working with someone on this project if the needed funds could be acquired for the R&D.” Walker believes the company is well suited to help the industry develop technologically-advanced equipment. “We see a lot of different types of crops, different methods of working the soil, unique strategies of growing the crop and other problem solving ideas which provides PAR with a greater knowledge base of how to approach challenges in different areas, in different crops, and PAR can draw on that knowledge base when
challenges arise and offer up possible alternatives. We enjoy the connections, friendships, and partnerships we have created through Western Growers and we feel PAR can provide unique services to the farming community through those connections.” He believes Pacific Ag Rentals can provide a springboard for the inventors at Western Growers Center for Innovation
and Technology allowing them a pathway to the customer. “We are open in our thinking and believe that in order for technology to permeate agriculture, ideas will have to come from numerous sources without the technology belonging to one entity,” he said. “All boats rise with a rising tide and we at Pacific Ag Rentals are doing our best to help in that process.”
STRENGTH THROUGHOUT MARKET CYCLES.
PGIM Real Estate’s Agricultural Finance Team brings meticulous care and nurturing to yield success in agricultural financing. With more than 120 years of industry experience, we are focused on building lasting relationships. By listening, sharing, understanding and guiding clients to financial solutions, with competitive products, terms and pricing. Learn more at pgimrealestate.com
Roseville William Beyer 916-789-4070 Steve Garland 916-789-4026
Fresno Frank Oberti 559-437-3262 Bill Sciacqua 559-437-3265 Jon Dominguez 559-437-3264
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SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2020
Western Grower & Shipper | www.wga.com
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