TotalPackets

We often find technology in unexpected places.  While driving from Half Moon Bay to Santa Cruz, on a whim we pulled into a the Fambrini Produce Stand and found the most fragrant lavender, delicious, and some very interesting conversation.   We met J.C. Famfrini, and my gut instinct said he was into technology.   I inquired and found out that his Father owned the farm that grew the produce and indeed he was an IT major.  I asked him what he planned to do after graduating from University.  His response was that he plans to be a farmer.  I was initially a bit surprised, however, J.C. went onto explain that through the use of technology monitoring his crops, he could produce healthier, organic foods and reduce or eliminate pesticides and herbicides.

The Internet of Things or IoT for short, is touching every aspect of our lives.   The smart agriculture market is predicted to grow from $5.18 billion in 2016 to $11.23 billion by 2022, according to Markets and Markets.   Smart agriculture can provide higher yields with less water consumption.  Just a few of the technologies we see are sensors that monitor soil, air quality, weather and crop maturity, as well as the use of drones to view the crops.

We have all heard of self-driving cars, but few of us have considered self-driving tractors.  With the man-hours a farmer puts in during harvest time, a self-driving tractor is a game changer.  Autonomous, self-driving tractors navigate using lasers between mobile transponders located around the field.  Self-driving tractors can reduce the overlap that takes place to less than an inch, reducing time and fuel consumption.

Farming is very much a career with a deep history and is generally passed down through the generations.   It is wonderful to meet J.C. and know that he will be a Smart Farmer.   If you are looking for some great produce or lavender visit Fabrini’s Stand.  You can find it on Highway 1, a half mile south of Davenport.   Stop in for the produce and enjoy the conversation.