The decision to spend several thousand dollars on cutting-edge precision farming technology is a calculated one for any no-tiller. But for the small-acre operator, getting a return on investment is especially critical to justify the expense.

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.

Tony Anderson says his Uncle Ewing gave him a good lesson about farming years ago that every strip-tiller should adhere to.

Faster payoffs have accelerated the adoption of electronic tools like lightbars, yield monitors and automatic steering.