The landscape of farming has undergone a seismic shift, largely driven by technological advancements. According to Sam Denby in his insightful video on the Wendover Productions YouTube channel, the once-simple world of agriculture has been irrevocably transformed by big tech. Companies like John Deere, which started as a humble manufacturer of farming tools, have now become tech giants, wielding immense power over modern agriculture. But has this transformation been for the better?
John Deere: From Tractors to Tech Giants
Denby explains that John Deere has rapidly evolved from a company known for its sturdy tractors to one of the world’s leading robotics and AI firms. This shift was highlighted at the 2023 CES conference, where John Deere’s CEO, John May, emphasized their focus on advanced technologies like computer vision, machine learning, and data analytics. John Deere no longer sees itself as merely a tractor company but as a provider of integrated production solutions. This transformation mirrors the strategies of tech behemoths like Apple and Google, which also focus on creating comprehensive technological ecosystems.
The Historical Evolution
The video traces John Deere’s journey from its inception, emphasizing how the company has always been at the forefront of agricultural innovation. John Deere revolutionized farming in the 1800s with the self-scouring steel plow, which made farming the thick, rooty soil of the Midwest feasible. This spirit of innovation continued into the 20th century with the adoption of gas-powered tractors, which eventually led to Deere’s dominance in agricultural machinery.
The Digital Age of Farming
Denby highlights a pivotal moment in the mid-1990s when Rockwell International introduced precision agriculture technology using GPS. John Deere quickly capitalized on this, developing its own advanced positioning systems. Their Starfire system, launched in the late 90s, significantly improved the accuracy of farming operations, reducing waste and increasing efficiency. This technology marked the beginning of the digital farming era, where data and precision became key drivers of productivity.
The Costs of Precision Agriculture
While precision farming technologies like John Deere’s See & Spray offer significant benefits, Denby points out that they come with substantial costs. These systems are expensive, requiring farmers to invest heavily in new machinery and software. For instance, equipping a farm with the See & Spray system can cost tens of thousands of dollars, not including the ongoing subscription fees. This financial burden is often too much for small farmers to bear, pushing them out of the market.
The Impact on Farmers
Denby argues that the shift towards high-tech farming has fundamentally changed what it means to be a farmer. The autonomy and problem-solving skills that once defined the profession are being replaced by reliance on screens, software, and authorized technicians. Farmers are becoming increasingly dependent on tech companies like John Deere, which control the diagnostic software needed for repairs. This dependency raises concerns about the right to repair and the overall cost and feasibility of modern farming.
Consolidation and the Death of the Family Farm
The video discusses the broader economic trends driving consolidation in agriculture. As Denby notes, the high costs of new technologies favor large-scale operations, leading to the decline of small family farms. This trend has accelerated in recent years, with more land being controlled by fewer, larger entities. The local economies of rural areas suffer as profits are siphoned off to distant investors, eroding the traditional agricultural way of life.
The Future of Farming
Looking ahead, Denby suggests that the future of farming will be dominated by even more advanced technologies. John Deere aims to develop fully autonomous production systems for crops like corn and soybeans by 2030. While these innovations promise increased efficiency and reduced resource use, they also pose significant challenges. The upfront costs and the shift towards large-scale operations could further marginalize small farmers and reshape rural communities.
“DRM Ruined Farming”
People in the comments shared their thoughts: “DRM ruined farming. Not allowing a farmer to fix the equipment they ‘own’.”
One commenter added: “Companies like John Deere are the reason we have to pass Right to Repair ASAP. Not being able to repair your smartphone, laptop or TV is one thing. Not being able to repair the machine that your livelihood depends on another.”
Another person said: “I’ve seen a huge uptick in the popularity of Kubota in North America over the last few years, particularly with small and medium sized farms, and it’s obvious to see why.”
Significant Challenges
In conclusion, while technological advancements have brought about remarkable efficiencies in farming, they have also introduced significant challenges. The transformation of companies like John Deere into tech giants has led to increased costs and dependencies, putting immense pressure on small farmers and altering the fabric of rural life. As we move towards a future dominated by autonomous farming, it is crucial to consider the broader impacts on farmers, communities, and the agricultural industry as a whole.
Impact on the Future of Small Family Farms
What do you think? How do you think the shift towards high-tech farming will impact the future of small family farms and rural communities? What are the potential ethical implications of large tech companies controlling essential farming technologies and data? How might the increasing dependency on technology in farming affect food security and sustainability in the long term?
Check out the entire video for more information on Wendover Productions’ YouTube channel here.
