By Mitch Rice
Functional farming equipment is critical. Sure, if you are starting at the bottom, you will probably end up with some manual tools until you get the farm going. But as you learn more and start producing, you must invest in professional equipment.
Now, no matter what type of equipment you need, you will find lots of options out there. There are plenty of products, features, options, and prices. Getting the most out of your equipment is critical – here are a few helpful tips.
Stay away from one size fits all
Different farmers have different practices. There is plenty of equipment to choose from – more or less specialized.
While you can, indeed, find things that will be suitable for more applications, try to be as specific as possible – based on your budget, of course.
You should just stick to farm equipment financing and get the real thing rather than pay upfront for cheap equipment that is advertised to do everything for you.
Whether it comes to the planter or other types of equipment, there is no such thing as an efficient one size fits all pieces. You will simply end up losing money.
Find solutions to combine tasks
Whether it comes to your equipment or other things, there are two things you will try to focus on. One of them is the labor, and the other one is the efficiency.
You need to figure out ways to combine equipment or perhaps use the same tool for more things. It may sound weird – after all, a classic one size fits all is not really a recommendation.
But then, if you can buy one thing that does two jobs, it is better than buying two different things. It may also be cheaper, yet this is not always a general rule.
Small extras could make the difference at times. However, make sure you do not spend money on bells and whistles that no one really needs.
New technology could help
Keep educating yourself if you get involved with farming. New technologies pop up on a regular basis. It does not mean you can give up on a planter you bought two years ago, especially if it works by the book.
However, there are certain pieces of technology that will simplify everything and can reduce the labor, while also adding to the overall efficiency.
For example, more automation will make things easier. You need to accept the fact that things change and evolve, but you do not need to go for every new piece that is released.
Keep in mind that plenty of new technology is not really adaptable to what you do. You just have to keep an open mind and analyze each situation in particular.
Keep it slow
Every new farmer makes this mistake – you tend to rush, only because there are so many things that need to be done. There is always something else waiting for your attention.
However, this is not really the best idea. Take planting, for example. There is a strict relation between accuracy and speed. Go too fast, and accuracy will be overlooked.
On small farms, people tend to overuse equipment in order to reach their goals. On large farms, they go faster because of faster and more expensive equipment, but they lack accuracy.
It may look like a good day, only because you have finished everything. But when there are gaps in your crops or some parts tend to be overcrowded, you will end up regretting your speed.
You normally learn such things the hard way, but you could be more efficient by taking your time and doing everything by the book.
Bigger is not necessarily better
The more land you look after, the bigger you want your equipment to be. This is a terrible mistake that even experienced farmers make.
A bigger piece of equipment could get things done faster. It could also cover distances over a shorter period of time. But then, unless you have a massive professional farm, this is not really a necessity.
The size is not everything – double check the speed too. If you get a planter, look for automation instead or perhaps accuracy standards.
Each piece of equipment can be found in all kinds of sizes. It is pointless to invest in a large piece of equipment for professional uses if you have a small farm.
Read the instructions
No one reads manuals, terms, and conditions, instructions – you name it. Everyone believes in common sense, especially if they also have a bit of experience with one machine or another.
This is not always the case, though. Take an hour or so and figure out every feature your equipment has. Become familiar with it and figure out how it can make your operations more efficient.
Some machines come with extra adjustability. Some others may have small and new innovative features to make your life easier.
If your previous machine is a bit old-fashioned, the new one will bring in a bunch of extras that you need to become familiar with.
Conclusion
Bottom line, farming equipment is more advanced than ever these days, and things keep changing on a regular basis. There will always be new technology out there.
Again, you do not always need the newest features or the biggest machine, but there are, indeed, ways to make as much as possible from your equipment.
Some features reduce the labor. Others increase the speed. Others make things more efficient – at this point, it is up to you to identify your priorities.
https://www.growingproduce.com/vegetables/9-ways-to-get-more-out-of-your-farm-equipment/
Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.
