Exploring the Intersection of Agriculture and Technology: GMOs, Robots, and the Future of Farming

Today's episode started with a discussion of the Roundup scenario and the news of Bayer acquiring Monsanto and its properties. The potential lawsuits against Roundup for being a carcinogen were discussed and they also talked about the increasing role of technology in agriculture, particularly in the area of precision agriculture. The conversation then moved to the requirements for organic farming and how technology has made it more feasible to switch to organic farming. Marlo and Steve also discussed the use of genetically modified crops and the controversy surrounding non-GMO foods. It is brought up how GMOs have facilitated the growth of crops in different regions and how they are necessary to feed the world's growing population. Finally, they discussed the emergence of new crops in North Dakota, such as grapes, that were not possible in the past due to the short growing season.

They then move on to discuss the development of new technology for agriculture, specifically robots that use lasers to kill weeds and pests. These robots are more efficient and cost-effective than traditional methods of weed and pest control and can save farmers time and money. The technology is still in development but has the potential to change the way agriculture is done in the future. Additionally, the potential for the development of autonomous farms in the future is discussed.

Furthermore, it was found out that students at Lake Region College were able to graduate with high-paying jobs after only two years of studying precision agriculture. It’s being noted that precision agriculture has evolved from being focused on just the machinery and equipment used on farms to being data-driven processes. He explains that this data-driven approach allows farmers to precisely plant crops and micro-manage soil and crop health, leading to lower costs and improved yields. They also reflect on the impact of technology on the family farm and how the small-town banking system has not adapted to the high expenditures required for new technology. They also mention the family farmer's early adoption of technology such as DTN, a weather and market application that required a big satellite dish to receive the feed.

A conversation on autonomous farming and lawn maintenance and autonomous lawnmowers and the benefits of having them, including freeing up space in their garages and allowing them to sit back and relax while their lawn is being mowed is sparked. 

acquiring Monsanto and its properties. The potential lawsuits against Roundup for being a carcinogen were discussed and they also talked about the increasing role of technology in agriculture, particularly in the area of precision agriculture. The conversation then moved to the requirements for organic farming and how technology has made it more feasible to switch to organic farming. They also discussed the use of genetically modified crops and the controversy surrounding non-GMO foods. It is brought up how GMOs have facilitated the growth of crops in different regions and how they are necessary to feed the world's growing population. Finally, they discussed the emergence of new crops in North Dakota, such as grapes, that were not possible in the past due to the short growing season.

They then move on to discuss the development of new technology for agriculture, specifically robots that use lasers to kill weeds and pests. These robots are more efficient and cost-effective than traditional methods of weed and pest control and can save farmers time and money. The technology is still in development but has the potential to change the way agriculture is done in the future. Additionally, the potential for the development of autonomous farms in the future is discussed.

Furthermore, it was found out that students at Lake Region College were able to graduate with high-paying jobs after only two years of studying precision agriculture. It’s being noted that precision agriculture