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The success of your operation hinges on the quality of your equipment and its capabilities. Precision agriculture and automation are critical components to helping farmers reach the next level of productivity and unlock their operations’ true potential. At the same time, farmers need to meet rising demand for crops while using fewer resources brought on by labor shortages, water restrictions and reduced crop input usage.

Adopting precision farming practices is an investment that requires upfront costs but with a quick ROI, and numerous options are available to upgrade your existing fleet with precision technology to improve your operation and bottom line. Your local Case IH Genuine Parts Dealer is here to help.

Step 1: Set and assess realistic goals

The first step is to evaluate your specific farming needs and goals. Consider factors such as the size of your operation, current challenges and long-term goals. This assessment will help determine the type of precision technology most beneficial and relevant to your operation. Work with your local Case IH Dealer to learn how they can help define your needs and partner with you to reach your goals.

For instance, one of your goals may be to cover more acreage in a day, building efficiencies with your time and, ultimately, increasing your ROI. This is where visual guidance (VSN®) could help elevate your equipment to the next level.

Step 2: Evaluate your current equipment

If you’re considering upgrading older equipment to current technology, there are a number of exceptional opportunities that more advanced communication tools can afford you. 

Before making an investment, look for compatibility with newer technology to elevate your current equipment and bring innovation to your fleet. Parts and upgrades are available from Case IH Dealers to enable you to enhance your technology experience on an older implement and connect the dots to options you may not have had previously.

Using the visual guidance example, when comparing technologies, ensure they are compatible with your current machinery. Can the product be added to your current fleet? Will it communicate effectively with your existing equipment?

Step 3: Evaluate cost and ROI

Adding parts and technology upgrades to existing equipment can give you the latest precision farming capabilities without buying new equipment. To maximize your investment, you will want to evaluate the cost of acquiring and implementing the technology. Considerations include equipment upgrades, installation, training and ongoing maintenance. Estimate the potential ROI by assessing the expected cost savings, yield improvements and other benefits of precision technology.

Again, using the visual guidance example, VSN helps drivers confidently and accurately operate machinery at increased speeds of up to 20 mph and in various types and stages of crops. This allows you to cover more acres in a day, thus maximizing productivity. Additionally, VSN reduces crop damage, saving yields and operational profit.

Further, in an ASABE-verified study, it was found that operators who use VSN experience 48% less stressful events compared to those using manual steering. The reduction in stress was twice as much as the average car driver’s stress reduction when going from white-knuckled city driving to smooth highway driving.

Not only can VSN create efficiencies for your operation, but it can also reduce burnout, giving operators the stamina to work longer and get more done – something else to consider in your cost and ROI evaluation.

Step 4: Seek expert advice

Seek advice from your local Case IH Dealer, who specializes in precision farming. These professionals can provide valuable insights based on their expertise and experience. They can assess your specific needs, evaluate the farm’s infrastructure and recommend suitable precision technology solutions. Expert advice can help you make informed decisions and select the most appropriate technology for your operation.

Updating existing equipment with precision technology offers farmers numerous benefits, including cost efficiency, enhanced productivity, increased yield and better product quality. Case IH Genuine Parts Dealers will make it easy for farmers to optimize their operations while minimizing environmental impact and meeting the evolving demands of the agricultural sector.

To learn more about the benefits of precision farming parts and upgrades, visit mycnhistore.com/precisely.