Specialty crop growers can expect robots to do their harvesting in the next 10 years

Robots have made their way to farm fields in masses over the last decade, and that growth is expected to continue.

One ag robotics pro says specialty crop growers stand the most to gain.

“Yes. It saves on labor, but this thing is a big expense and the fragility of the equipment, all those things are not yet there. But I’m going to make a prediction that in specialty crops within 10 years, more than half of specialty crops, harvesting will be done by robots. It’s coming, and it’s coming strong. I can see that from our relationships with our customers, and from our experience with our partners, it’s coming,” said Mark DeSantis.

DeSantis tells aginfo.net that this kind of technology is not just for smaller operations. He believes industrial growers will also be on board.

Related Stories
The use of ultrasound may make growing beef more efficient.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Tidal Grow’s Align-N system delivers urea nitrogen directly to leaves, improving nutrient efficiency and boosting crop yields for farmers.
Farmers this year will finally be able to update their base acres with the USDA, something that experts warn must be done with complete accuracy.
During World War II, Augusta National Golf Club temporarily became a working farm, raising cattle and turkeys and harvesting pecans to support the war effort.
“Cow goggles” are helping farmers experience cattle vision in real time, offering new tools to reduce stress, improve movement, and enhance livestock management.
Fewer interruptions could translate to improved efficiency—and fewer costly delays when timing matters most.
Faster approvals could speed projects, but may face scrutiny.
Agriculture Shows
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady and RFD News Markets Specialist Tony St. James, Commodity Talk delivers expert insight into the day’s ag commodity markets just before the CME opens. Only on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.
Everything profits from prairie. Soil, air, water — and all kinds of life! Learn how you can improve your land with prairie restoration, cover crops and prairie strips, while growing your bottom line.
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.