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.
%
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f
1 i
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