What is smart farming, and why should you care?
Story
August 29, 2023
A farmer wakes up at dawn. Rather than pulling on their overalls and heading outside for the day, they grab their smartphone and open an app to access real-time data about the soil condition on their farm. The sensors indicate that the moisture level is still optimal, and they’re pleased to see that their smart irrigation system has already been adjusted to reduce today’s water usage. The farmer has managed to start their day (and save water!) even without stepping foot on the field, thanks to smart farming.

What is smart farming?

Smart farming has many names, but it’s a term that applies to any application of information and data technologies to optimize farming systems. Smart farming incorporates information and communication technologies (ICT) into machinery, equipment and sensors used in agricultural production systems. 

Why is smart farming so important to TYM? As CEO Kim Do-hoon shared at the 2022 Asian Leadership Conference, smart farming is aligned with TYM’s commitment to transforming the agricultural machinery industry by further digitizing our offerings and empowering farmers with valuable data. TYM’s own subsidiary, TYM ICT, developed its first self-driving tractor in 2013, and currently offers a utility tractor with autonomous driving functions and telematics technology in South Korea.

Smart farming can generate a large volume of data and information. Farmers can use this information to make decisions and take actions for improved productivity and profitability. These farming practices can minimize environmental impacts while reducing overall production costs, and the possibilities don’t stop there.

 

Smart farming bridges gaps in agricultural labor

Automation is changing all sectors of labor, and the landscape of  agricultural labor is no exception. While some industries may feel threatened by ICT, food and agriculture industry leaders have championed smart farming for its potential to breathe new life into the shrinking agricultural labor force. This evolution comes at an imperative time as farm labor becomes increasingly scarce around the world due to urban migration and aging populations. In South Korea, where TYM maintains its headquarters, the rapidly declining and aging population is already a major concern as many predict economic fallout as a result.

But even as the next generation’s pool of farmers shrinks, smart farming presents new opportunities in an ages-old profession. A different skill set is required to understand and use smart farming technology. Conversely, complex jobs are now more manageable and streamlined thanks to new technology. Learning new skills empowers emerging farmers and attracts new talent who may not have previously considered a career in agriculture.

 

Smart farming reduces costs while increasing profits

Automation helps farmers be more efficient in their day-to-day tasks and more innovative in their careers. Farmers can now have greater insight into possibilities and challenges, which informs their decisions. They also have greater oversight of their operations and business with real-time data. Automation means farmers can grow more with less. Reduced costs, time, and waste amount to greater profit margins and more efficient resource use.

Knowing when, where, and how to allot and input their resources will save farmers money and labor. For example, farmers can now manage their operations with access to site-specific weather forecasts based on a network of weather and climate data. This kind of data not only optimizes the cultivation of crops, but empowers farmers and agricultural businesses of all sizes.

 

Smart farming creates a sustainable future

Intensifying climate change is altering growing conditions around the world, making traditional methods and schedules unreliable at times. When the world around us becomes increasingly unpredictable, ICT is valuable in helping us adapt to these changes.

Smart farming enables increased yield through more efficient use of natural resources and inputs, as well as improved land and environmental management. This is important for food producers everywhere as the world’s growing population is expected to hit 10 billion by 2050. ICT-enabled farming is no longer just for the tech-savvy, it’s the best way to optimize and preserve human and natural resources for generations to come.

 

TYM commitment to sustainability and ICT in agriculture

Smart farming tools have ushered in a new era for the agricultural industry, and TYM strives to be at the forefront of it. To bring our vision of labor and cost-saving autonomous operations to fruition, the next generation of TYM tractors will help maximize productivity while minimizing human effort by leveraging telematics, GPS-assisted driving, and other advanced agricultural technology, To discover how TYM tractors can help solve everyday challenges now and in the future, take a dive into our immersive 3D experience at explore.tym.world.