The ongoing conundrum: machinery improvements versus purchasing power in an imperfect world

July 31, 2024

There was an excellent turn out at a recent OSU field day complete with technology demonstrations. There were some folks scratching their heads at some technology and its base usefulness but other technology where everyone in the crowd was nodding yes to the usefulness of the equipment.

However, the pause in adoption usually is due to finding funds to implement these new technologies on farms while having the skill set to make a seamless transition. Considering these last handful of years have not been nice for growers of nearly any specialty crop (berries included) that combination of low price and low yield has been the reality. This crucially needs to change if we want to see technology implementation even if it’s meant to save on labor and other costs.

There was some preliminary discussion on NRCS funding opportunities to assist in cost sharing of some diesel to electric machines and that interests me enough to look into these programs and report back. But it’s been clear that new iron is not a priority purchase on these skinny farm years which leaves everyone hooped.

How great of a cost share incentive would you need to consider some of this new technology? Do you think you could manage the new technology just fine or are you hoping that a gaggle of Generation Z will step up to control multiple automated tractors in the field and leave you out of the learning process? Are you fearful of maintenance costs and availability of expertise?

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