Does the tractor automatically get back on line after a turn? It does not appear that he is doing much steering wheel work? No need for a marker. Quit farming in 1994, seems like the equipment has changed a bit.
self driving technologies on the farm are miles ahead of the on road development. If you watch the Millenial Farmer on you tube, he often naps while working his 2400 acres of corn and beans both planting and harvesting and plowing.
plowing is out- no till is the new norm. maybe some disc work which can be done at the same time as planting.
Even more amazing is how planters are programmed according to the ground. Some areas get little fertilizer and others get lots. It can change as the machinery is going down the length of the field. These are calculated according to the yield of each field from year to year and according to the type of soil. For example, small sand ridges do not yield like good quality loam, etc. Not only the fertilizer needs but also the number of plants per acre is calculated and given by the planter to those areas like above. Yes, farming has come a long ways but the trouble is that it makes it even more difficult for anyone who wants to get started. Alone, it is pretty much impossible.
First GPS nav I saw on an ag tractor which kept you on track was a Northstar (which at one time was located at Hanscom AFB) late eighties/early nineties. Steering came not too much after that. Scallopers were using the same tech to scrape the ocean floor at 30 fathoms not missing a spot and not wasting time pulling a drag over the same spot twice (unless they wanted to).
My wife's cousin has a rather large farm operation in 2 counties. A couple years ago we went to a party at her aunt's house and he had a new combine sitting there. Was one of the biggest pieces of farm equipment I've ever seen. I climbed into it and looked around. I was like holy chit, and said this isn't farming. He laughed and said, "work smarter, not harder."
Farming like most anything now requires BIG TOYS to play with the BIG BOYS............................
He looks so board. Lol how long has been operating it by himself? In a year or two he will have ear buds in and enjoying the music.
