What is going to be the next "Big Thing"

[/pine]

I'm guessing automated harvesting (non-operator required) for the big boys...computer programs, GPS and robots....just look what they do by remote control both in deep water drilling (and mining) and with war efforts...

Don't really see much new coming for the little guys except maybe additional technology to assist the operators...

 

[McGeesEquip]

The agricultural industry is getting more hi-tech. Look what has all changed just in the chicken house industry. Those farmers are always having to face new changes and new regulations.

Crop growers are getting even more hi-tech tractors. Dirt workers are getting real hi-tech dirt movers and levers.

The hay industry is getting vary competitive, so I will say there will probably be a hay cutter, baler, and wrapper all in one machine.

 

[Baby Grand]

As times get hard and people move back to growing their own food, if the local food movement catches on etc etc. Maybe a move back to 'small' implements. One or two row corn pickers, one row potato pickers etc. Stuff that a 0-20 acre farm might use. Have to be pretty cheap though I would think.

That's an idea I like. I watched a team of horses pull a single row potato picker up at the Ag fair in Unity, Maine a few weeks ago.

 

[magicheater]

The needs of people has always fueled technology. Technology has advanced with better solutions to the same needs. It has also offered ways that are easier but may not be better in the long run. It caters to the laziness of people if we let it. The book "Borrowing Brilliance" touches on this it states that there are no real new ideas but merely improvements to old ideas.

Maybe the next big thing is a tractor that you don't have to improve after you get it home!

 

[Qapla]

The next new thing may not be something attached to the tractor at all. It may just be substantial improvements on existing equipment.

For example:

Rear or total tracks for tractors that give as good performance for plowing, disking, etc and wheels do.

Tractor engines that run on bio-fuel without needing extra service or increased cost for the machine or the fuel.

Greater HP with better fuel efficiency.

 

[buck12]

The way our country is moving the next "big thing" may be a hoe, shovel, and push rotary mower because we won't be able to buy diesel.

 

[sweettractors]

The way our country is moving the next "big thing" may be a hoe, shovel, and push rotary mower because we won't be able to buy diesel.

We would all probably be better off by getting back to the basics. I don't know about the hoe, shovel thing for me? Maybe a tract of land, tractor and enough tools to raise what we need with fewer trips to the grocery. Ken Sweet

 

[CompactTractorFan]

The Jake Rake!!!

 

[doall]

If they make the mower, rake, baler, thing it will also have to have some super drier in it or we will need to put sprinklers in our hay barns.

 

[Ford tractor]

Probably not for the small operator, but I can imagine interactive satellite data on crop moisture, growth, fertility, being sent for better crop management, higher yield with lower resource use.

The big tractors already have auto-steer and GPS guidance.

I could see where going the diesel-electric route may be coming. Some dozers are getting that now. Supposed to increase performance and reduce fuel use.