The status of Precision Agricultural Technology Adoption in Missourian Farms

Higher efficiency and lower environmental impact are the consequence of using advanced technology in farming. They also help to decrease yield variability by diminishing weather variability impact, optimizing nutrient and pest management as well as reducing competition from weeds. A better understanding of pros and cons of applying technology and finding the main reason of preventing to utilize the technology has a significant impact of developing technology adoption among farmers and producers in digital agriculture era. This article uses survey data to provide an overview of the adoption of PA technologies in Missouri and dig into the main reasons and barriers that stopped producers to use PA technology in addition to find the main source to get information about up-to-date technologies. Preliminary results show attitudes towards "technology adoption" in MO is increase efficiency and reducing cost more than increasing yield while the main barrier for "not adopting" is "Lack of Capital" (32%) in addition to "Not being cost effective for small operations" (20%). Participants shared that they believe the best sources of getting information related to PA technology are Agricultural Retailer (40%), Extension Agent (25%), Reading and following other innovative people which was mentioned as "other source" (15%) and almost 20% of farmers go to customer service provider and crop consultants.