jmm Adams, who has mapped and grldded 1,800 acres for var ious farms,drove a small Jeep containing receiver and stor age equipment. UslmMbe global positioning satellite (GPS) system put Inplaffrny the government, Adams uses a spe cial recelver/itbjrag* system operated on a laptop computer to map, grkftl&Ke samples, and use the information to apply variable rates of Mine and fertilizer where necessary on fields. The arftMifia Is mounted to the back of the Jeep. I NOW BUYING WHEAT FOR 1998 Speedy unloads 24 hours SEVEN DAYS A WEEK DURINQ Call for prices & updated hours: Martins Creek, pa (610) 253-9341 OR E-MAIL US AT CONAGRAMCA9AOL.c6^ Highspire, PA (717)939-1371 ' RED lion, PA (717) 244-4559 • * ri * * The cost of having GPS technology continues to decline, too, according to Tom Adams 111, In center, holding antenna. Years ago, a GPS system cost many thousands of dollars. Today receiver prices range from $2,000-$5,000. Software Is about $5OO. The laptop computer can cost a little more than $l,OOO, In addition to 100 manhours of programming. (Continued from Page A2O) ogy continues to decline, too. Adams noted Years ago, a GPS system cost many thousands of dollars. Today receiver prices range from $2,000-SS,OOO. Soft ware is about $5OO. The laptop computer can cost a little more than $l,OOO, in addition to 100 manhours of programming. A DAY/ Harvest •I dl Mapping Technology A “package” which is assembled and ready to use can cost about $lO,OOO, if a producer wants to invest the money. But with a little learning and time to assemble, a producer can invest as little as $3,500 in a workable system. Producers can use the technolo- B ** r ■ t sadsssss •» • Lancaster Farming, Saturday, July 25, 1998-A2l Harvest f v-*' gy today, in increments. “I tell them to try it a little bit,” said Adams. Tm not asking them to do the whole farm and all the acres on it” Producers should move slowly and check out the technology to see if it helps them improve crop yields. % I". f 1 i ' ( I ! ! 1