The Montana Farmers Union and guest speakers visited Fairfield on Tuesday morning to engage with local producers and showcase the latest technology in precision agriculture.
During the event, speakers discussed various advancements in the livestock industry and how they can be integrated into cropping systems. Topics included virtual fencing, hay steamer baling, and moisture yield monitoring.
Research Professor Paul Nugent from Montana State University highlighted the benefits of using geofencing to combine crop and livestock operations, potentially increasing forage for cattle production and enhancing soil health.
“Precision agriculture involves leveraging new technologies to optimize production systems for improved economic efficiency and sustainability,” Nugent explained. “Geofencing can now be utilized to manage fall grazing of crop residuals, allowing for precise control over cattle movements.”
Attendees also learned about hay steamers and large baling equipment, with experienced users sharing how these tools can help less experienced individuals achieve high yields.
Local producers expressed concerns about the cost of new equipment and the reliability of emerging technologies.
“It’s impressive to see producers embracing new technologies that I may not be familiar with yet,” Nugent remarked, highlighting the importance of learning from each other.
