Exploring the farm of the future
Agriculture is changing rapidly. As farmers work to meet the needs of a growing population while managing costs, they must stay on top of the latest technological trends. Here is how the future of farming could look – and how farmers can use it to drive greater efficiency.
Technological innovation is driving rapid change in agriculture – led primarily by the need to address rising costs. Two-thirds of farmers cite higher prices from items such as fertiliser and crop protection chemicals as one of their top three concerns for profitability over the next two years.1
With the adoption of new technology, the nature of farming machinery and management is changing too. This makes effective, expert-led maintenance more important than ever. New autonomous equipment must be protected to extend its life and avoid unplanned downtime. Digital tools must also be complemented by in-person technical advice to provide the analysis and insights that can help farmers keep costs down.
Technology has already started transforming the agricultural sector. With the right guidance, it can also help you better maintain valuable equipment and avoid spending money on expensive, unnecessary repairs.
How lubrication can support the future of farming
Hiring equipment
Equipment is likely to be hired rather than purchased, with superior lubricants used to protect and optimise leased machinery all year round.
Precision agriculture
Precise, efficient and lighter machinery will help to minimise impact on soil and the landscape, while high-quality lubricants help equipment run more smoothly.
GPS technology
GPS trackers will support field mapping, soil testing and scouting – even in low visibility. Alongside that, the right lubricants will make sure equipment performs in all conditions.
Sustainable farming
With food security and sustainable farming high on agricultural and political agendas, premium lubricants can help to reduce fuel consumption and extend equipment life.
Autonomous tractors
Autonomous tractors will save farmers hours of time with pre-programmed routes, while specialist lubricants cater for slow-moving, high-torque and high-tech engines.
Machine learning and analytics
Machine learning programmes will analyse years of data so farmers can focus on core operations, with expert lubrication services helping farmers to increase their productivity.
Shaping agriculture with new technology
Smart farming on the rise
The market for smart farming is set to reach $33 billion by 2027 (up from $12.75 billion in 2021), an increase of more than 150%.2
Widespread drone use
Farmers are quietly using the tech to great effect, with agricultural drones making up 11% of the total drone market worldwide.3
Autonomous equipment in the fields
Investment in autonomous equipment is expected to grow quickly across three key farming applications: spraying (338%), harvesting (328%) and planting (325%).4
But sustainability-led technologies lagging behind
Only 18% of farmers globally are either currently adopting precision agriculture technologies or plan to do so in the next two years – potentially overlooking a key opportunity for driving sustainable practices.1
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Disclaimers
[1] McKinsey. “.” 2023.
[2] BIS Research. “.” 2023.
[3] Future Farming. “.” 2023.
[4] BIS Research. “.” 2023
