Pr ecision Practices with Promis e Improved technology and increasing market pressures make this prime time for increasing production precision. By Peg Zenk T his may be a pivotal time for precision agriculture. Record-high input prices and slumping commodity markets increase pressure to make the most of every input. At the same time, precision technologies have become more dependable and user-friendly. More cooperatives are offering services that save growers time and the techno-hassles of assembling compatible GPS-based systems on their own. By selecting the precision services that best fit their operations and interest level, growers can take advantage of the latest technology and expertise to get the most from each acre. Telling precision ag trends have emerged in the past few years that may indicate which technologies hold the most promise. While it depends on where they farm and what they grow, almost all producers have opportunities to improve operational efficiencies by adding some strategic precision to their enterprises. On the next few pages, five cutting-edge cooperatives show how it’s done. Your CHS Connection 7