It makes sense to scrutinize the financial returns of precision ag technology costs, says Matt Darr, an Iowa State University ag engineer. But Darr says farmers continually remind him about the intangible benefits of using these tools that in many cases are just as important as dollars-and-cents justification.

While percision AG tools may not be “new” anymore, many producers aren’t utilizing the technology to its fullest. Many farmers tell me they have 5 to 6 years of yield maps, but they don’t know what to do with them.

The new CEO of the National Association of Conservation Districts is Jeff Eisenberg, who has previously represented ranchers and conservation organizations on natural resource issues and also served as an attorney for USDA.

Paul Jasa admits it sounds odd, but he says cover crops help break down corn residue and improve no-till efforts the next year.