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The Future of Farming: High-Tech Agricultural Methods

Farmers are being presented with a range of technological advancements aimed at boosting crop production and reducing the cost of food.

In Saskatchewan, Canada, Jake Leguee represents the third generation of his family to work in farming, carrying on a legacy that began with his grandfather's purchase of 640 acres in 1956.

An aerial view of a farmer plowing a field in Colorado. — The US has fewer but more "tech dense" farms according to a government report

Over the years, the farm has expanded significantly, now spanning 17,000 acres and cultivating a diverse range of crops, including canola, wheat, flax, and green lentils.

As a child, Leguee observed his father and grandfather dedicating long hours to tending to their crops, often in challenging conditions, which sparked his interest in finding more efficient methods.

According to Leguee, the farming industry has undergone substantial improvements in efficiency thanks to technological advancements, transforming the way farmers work.

To maintain a competitive edge, Leguee has implemented various innovations on his farm, particularly in the area of crop spraying, where technology has greatly enhanced the process.

By utilizing software and remote cameras on his John Deere tractor, Leguee can target weeds with greater precision, a crucial step in preparing the soil for planting.

Leguee explains that the system enables the tractor to detect weeds and spray them individually while moving at a speed of approximately 15 miles per hour.

This targeted approach also results in significant cost savings, as the nozzles only release pesticide when weeds are detected, reducing unnecessary spraying.

Leguee notes that investing in these technological advancements often yields a high return on investment, making them a valuable addition to his farm operations.

He suggests that farmers can explore a range of solutions, from low-cost apps that aid in record-keeping to more advanced technologies, to find what works best for their specific needs.

This willingness to adapt and innovate is a trend being observed among farmers across North America.

Smiling and wearing a stripey blue and grey shirt, Jake Leguee stands in front of large tractor. — Jake Leguee's farm in Saskatchewan has been in the family since the 1950s

A survey conducted by McKinsey in 2024 found that 57% of farmers in the region plan to adopt new technologies aimed at increasing yields within the next two years.

A 2022 report by the US Department of Agriculture highlighted that while the overall number of farms in the country is declining, those that remain are becoming increasingly reliant on technology.

Norah Lake, owner of Sweetland Farms in Vermont, emphasizes the importance of forward-thinking and adaptability in farming, stating that success requires constant planning and evaluation.

Lake previously used Microsoft Excel to track and compare yields from different harvests and years, seeking insights to inform her farming decisions.

She recalls wanting to understand the outcomes of specific planting decisions, such as the yield from 100 bed feet of broccoli, to refine her strategies.

More recently, Lake has adopted software and an app from the company Tend to streamline her farm management, allowing her to input harvest data and receive detailed analysis and advice.

By transitioning these tasks to a digital platform, Lake aims to reduce the labor involved in managing her farm, which produces a variety of vegetables and pastured meat.

The Tend software provides Lake with valuable insights and recommendations for optimizing her crop management, enabling her to make more informed decisions.

Lake explains that Tend also helps her calculate the seed quantity needed for specific crops, based on the desired harvest outcome, further enhancing her farm's efficiency.

The agricultural sector is witnessing a proliferation of technological solutions designed to support farmers.

A tablet computer shows a map of a farm with someone pointing to a particular field. — Cropwise uses 20 years of weather data to help help advise farmers

Syngenta, a leading agritech company based in Switzerland, offers Cropwise, a software that leverages AI and satellite imagery to provide farmers with guidance and alerts on crop management.

According to Feroz Sheikh, Syngenta's chief information officer, Cropwise can identify potential issues in specific areas of a field, such as pest outbreaks, and notify farmers, utilizing 20 years of weather pattern data to predict outcomes.

Armed with this information, farmers can take proactive measures, such as covering their crops before an impending frost, to protect their yields.

In Germany, Jean-Pascal Lutze founded NoMaze with the goal of providing farmers with a deeper understanding of how different crops respond to various climate conditions.

NoMaze's software, which is being rolled out this year, offers simulations and insights based on field tests and computer modeling, helping farmers optimize water usage and maximize yields.

The impact of these technological advancements may extend beyond the farming community, potentially affecting consumers, notes Heather Darby, an agronomist and soil specialist at the University of Vermont.

Soybeans pour through a metal grating as they are unloaded. — If the tech works then it could lead to lower food prices

By increasing food production, these technologies could lead to lower prices at the retail level, benefiting consumers.

Darby suggests that the use of these technologies can contribute to a more stable and secure food system by helping farmers avoid crop failures and maintain a controlled environment.

Back in Saskatchewan, Leguee observes that younger farmers are more likely to embrace technology, while older farmers may be more resistant to change.

He emphasizes the importance of being open to new ideas and technologies in the farming industry.

Leguee notes that farming operations are often multi-million-dollar businesses that support multiple families, making it essential to adopt technologies that can enhance their efficiency and viability.

He recalls a saying that highlights the importance of treating farming as a business: "If you approach farming as a business, it can be a great way of life, but if you view it solely as a way of life, it can become a challenging business."

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DP World CEO departs amid fallout over Epstein connections

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem’s departure follows the revelation of hundreds of emails allegedly exchanged between him and Epstein, as revealed in recently disclosed documents.

DP World's global ports operator has undergone a change in leadership, with the previous head stepping down amidst scrutiny surrounding their association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, wearing white, gestures during the World Government Summit in Dubai in 2017.

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem's departure as chairman and chief executive follows the release of newly uncovered files, which indicate he exchanged numerous emails with Epstein over the course of a decade.

The mention of an individual in these files does not imply any wrongdoing, and the BBC has reached out to Sulayem for a statement regarding the matter.

On Friday, DP World announced the appointments of Essa Kazim as chairman and Yuvraj Narayan as chief executive, without making any reference to Sulayem, whose photograph appears to have been removed from the company's website.

DP World, a Dubai-owned logistics company with a significant presence in global trade infrastructure, operating port terminals across six continents, has faced increasing pressure from its business partners in recent days.

Earlier in the week, the UK development finance agency and La Caisse, Canada's second-largest pension fund, announced that they would be suspending new investments in the firm.

Additionally, the Prince of Wales' Earthshot project, which received funding from DP World, was reported to the UK Charity Commission following Sulayem's appearance in the recently released files.

The documents suggest a close and extensive relationship between Sulayem, a prominent Gulf business figure, and Epstein, spanning multiple areas of interaction.

US lawmakers Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie have accused Sulayem of being one of several influential individuals associated with Epstein, citing him as one of "six powerful men" linked to the disgraced financier.

The lawmakers, who co-sponsored the legislation that led to the release of the Epstein files last year, claim that certain information was improperly redacted from the documents.

On 9 February, Thomas Massie highlighted a redacted document that appeared to contain an email from Epstein in 2009, referencing a "torture video"; the recipient responded that they would be traveling between China and the US, although the context of the exchange is unclear.

US officials have confirmed that Sulayem was the recipient of the email in question, which was sent by Epstein.

News

Ireland Seeks Redemption in Match Without Spectators

Ireland’s Captain Caelan Doris has emphasized that the team must have all players contributing in order to move past their loss to France and secure a win against Italy.

Ireland captain Caelan Doris is urging his team to deliver a strong performance against Italy, following their disappointing loss to France last week.

Historically, Ireland have dominated Italy in their home Six Nations matches, winning their last five encounters by at least 30 points, including a 2024 match where they held Italy scoreless, but a similar outcome is not expected this time around.

Italy's confidence is high after their 18-15 victory over Scotland in Rome, where they excelled in the set-piece and defended well in the closing stages.

Gonzalo Quesada's team put in an impressive display despite the challenging weather conditions, and their win has given them momentum ahead of their trip to Dublin.

In contrast, Ireland's camp has been introspective after their 16-year-low Six Nations loss to France, with head coach Andy Farrell expressing his disappointment and the need for improvement.

Farrell was critical of his team's performance, particularly in the first half, and has made several changes to the lineup for the Italy match, including the exclusion of Josh van der Flier, Jacob Stockdale, Tommy O'Brien, and Cian Prendergast.

The Irish coach has also spoken about the need for his team to "simplify things" and understand their identity, following a clear-the-air meeting with the squad.

Farrell has emphasized the importance of players not overthinking their roles and instead focusing on their strengths, as they prepare to face Italy.

The Irish coach's message to his players is to trust their instincts and not overcomplicate their game plan against Italy.

Ireland's review of their loss to France was a candid and honest assessment, with players and coaches alike acknowledging the need for improvement.

Ireland has made six changes to their team for the Italy match, with newcomers Cormac Izuchukwu and Rob Baloucoune, as well as uncapped lock Edwin Edogbo, set to feature.

Captain Caelan Doris believes that the new players must take ownership of their roles and contribute to the team's overall performance.

Doris expressed his enthusiasm for the team's lineup, despite the changes, and emphasized the importance of cohesion and trust among the players.

The Irish captain's message to the new players is to have faith in their abilities and enjoy the experience, while also focusing on the team's core strengths.

Doris stressed that every player must be fully committed and take responsibility for their actions on the field, in order to achieve a positive outcome.

He added that creating a sense of unity and purpose through their actions can have a profound impact on the team's performance.

Doris reiterated that every player must be fully invested and take ownership of their role, in order to achieve success against Italy.

Edwin Edogbo, the towering Munster lock, is set to make his Test debut for Ireland on Saturday.

Ireland's loss to France was marked by a lack of intent, and head coach Andy Farrell has responded by making changes to the team, including the inclusion of wingers James Lowe and Rob Baloucoune.

The hope is that these changes will help Ireland to rediscover their sense of purpose and direction against Italy.

Lowe, a experienced player, was dropped for the France match, but returns to the lineup, while Baloucoune makes his first appearance for Ireland since November 2022.

The inclusion of Cormac Izuchukwu in the back row is expected to add dynamism and ball-carrying ability to Ireland's attack.

There is also excitement about the potential of Edwin Edogbo, who has impressed for Munster despite struggling with injuries earlier in his career.

Caelan Doris will switch back to open-side flanker, a position he has played before against Italy, and where he has scored tries in the past.

Regardless of his position, Doris is focused on helping Ireland to move past their loss to France and deliver a strong performance against Italy.

The Irish captain reflected on the team's discussions throughout the week, which have centered on accountability, simplicity, and a renewed focus on their core values.

Doris emphasized the importance of the team holding each other accountable and taking ownership of their actions, in order to drive improvement.

The Irish captain acknowledged that the loss to France has served as a reference point, but expressed confidence that the team can learn from the experience and move forward.

Doris believes that Ireland has the potential to improve, but must focus on executing their game plan effectively and trusting their strengths.

The match between Ireland and Italy is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 14 February, at 14:10 GMT.

The Aviva Stadium in Dublin will host the encounter.

Fans can listen to live commentary of the match on BBC Sounds, BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2, BBC Radio Ulster, and the BBC Sport website and app, as well as follow live text commentary.

Italy has a chance to cause a major upset in the Six Nations, and will be looking to build on their win over Scotland last week.

The Italians pushed Ireland close last year, losing 22-17, and will be hoping to go one better this time around.

Despite the absence of Juan Ignacio Brex, Italy has a number of threats, including Tommaso Menoncello, one of the most exciting young talents in European rugby.

The Italian forwards have shown their ability to compete with top teams, having dominated Scotland and caused problems for South Africa's pack in November.

Caelan Doris acknowledged that Italy is no longer just a passionate team, but a side with a well-rounded attack and strong defense.

The Irish captain noted that Italy's attack is now a significant threat, and that their ability to play with width and depth makes them a challenging opponent.

Doris also highlighted the improvement in Italy's scrum, as well as the quality of their back three and the physicality of their forwards.

The Ireland team to face Italy is: Osborne; Baloucoune, Ringrose, McCloskey, Lowe; S Prendergast, Casey; Loughman, Sheehan, Clarkson, McCarthy, Ryan, Izuchukwu, Doris (capt), Conan.

Ireland's substitutes for the match include Kelleher, O'Toole, Furlong, Edogbo, Beirne, Timoney, Gibson-Park, and Crowley.

The Italian team features Pani, Lynagh, Marin, Menoncello, and Ioane in the backline, with P Garbisi and Fusco in the half-back positions, and a forward pack consisting of Fischetti, Nicotera, Ferrari, N Cannone, Zambonin, Lamaro as captain, Zuliani, and L Cannone.

Italy's replacement players are Di Bartolomeo, Spagnolo, Hasa, Ruzza, Favretto, Odiase, A Garbisi, and Odogwu.

On Saturday, Hollie Davidson of Scotland will make history by becoming the first female referee to officiate a men's Six Nations match, with the fixture being Ireland's home game against Italy.