Farmers' perceptions on the utility of auto-guidance technology to improve operator safety

The purpose of this study was to examine the variables associated with Northern Utah farmers' adoption of auto-guidance technologies and their perceptions on the utility of auto-guidance technology to improve operator safety. Participants were provided an experiential training session utilizing a simulation of an auto-guidance system. A total of 99 participants attended the training session. A survey was administered to identify auto-guidance technology adoption and farmers' perceptions of the utility of auto-guidance to promote operator safety. Half of the participants in this study (50.8%) indicated using auto-guidance technology in their farming practices. The majority of participants (f = 29, 53%) agreed that auto-guidance systems would assist with increasing an operators' ability to monitor towed equipment. Operator fatigue was the next highest perceived safety benefit from using auto-guidance systems. Results indicated that extension agents and agribusiness professionals in the western United States should refocus their education and marketing to producers regarding auto-guidance technology. Fewer participants of auto-guidance technology also identified using university and Extension professionals as a source of information on auto-guidance. However, users (f = 15, 48.4%) also reported the use the internet as a source of information of auto-guidance technology. Extension professionals may consider improving; their market share and making their programing more realized for these participants. University Extension professionals may also team up with dealers and consultants at crop schools, field days, other Extension events and dealer sponsored events to educate producers about auto-guidance technology.