Small, light robotics to take over big tractors as future for farm machinery

Coverage from NZFarmer.co.nz. Visit the link to read the article in full. 

Big, heavy tractors will have to be replaced by lighter vehicles that cause less soil damage and are better for the environment.

Farmers' love affair with big tractors could be over if they are to meet tighter environmental goals while maintaining production targets.

Instead, larger farming machinery will be replaced by more efficient systems relying on emerging technologies, agricultural robotics expert Simon Blackmore said at the International Tri-Conference for Precision Agriculture in Hamilton.

The change would be disruptive, but worthwhile because it would make crop production more efficient than it is at the moment, he said.