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The Economics of Precision Agricultural Machinery Management
C. Dillon
Department of Agricultural Economics
Non-Technical Summary
This research is needed to provide further economic assessment of precision agriculture machinery management, including economics, in a multidisciplinary analysis. Ultimately, this research aims at providing the missing element of the analysis of the economic performance of precision agriculture machinery regarding both profitability and risk management in a whole farm setting.
Project Description
Further analyses of varying factors of production verify that savings from input application reduction alone can economically justify boom section control equipment. Additionally, investigation of the interaction between boom section control and auto-guidance technologies indicates that the advancement of auto-guidance does reduce the cost savings of swath control technology. When the price of fertilizer was increased by 20% from the base price, savings for lightbar navigation and boom section control ranged from $23.67 to $48.18 per acre depending on the field.
In another paper, the integrated approach of interdisciplinary research programs of instructors is viewed as a key element in the successful class development and implementation of a precision agriculture course. Complexities and natural linkages across disciplines inherent in the topic encourage the team taught approach.
Impact
The economic impact of the research results of this year includes economic evaluation of boom section control technology coupled with lightbar guidance in light of increased fertilizer prices. The substantial opportunity of variable nozzle control technology was also economically demonstrated even though lightbar use reduces its level of benefit.
Publications
Shockley, J., C. Dillon and S. Shearer. Cost Savings for Multiple Inputs with Swath Control and Auto-guidance Technologies. Paper presented at the 9th International Conference on Precision Agriculture. Denver, Colorado. July 20-23, 2008.
C. Dillon, T. Mueller and S. Shearer. Interdisciplinary Team Teaching of Precision Agriculture. Paper presented at the 9th International Conference on Precision Agriculture. Denver, Colorado. July 20-23, 2008.