Dealer Opinions Vary on Potential Impact of Autonomy in Next 3 Years

A good number of dealers plan to invest in autonomy over the next 2 years, according to the 11^th annual Precision Farming Dealer Benchmark Study. 30% said they’re very likely to invest in autonomy and 39% said they’re somewhat likely. 17% said it’s somewhat unlikely they’ll invest in autonomy and 13% said it’s very unlikely.

The survey also asked, “How will autonomous machinery impact your dealership in the next 3 years?” Here’s how dealers across the U.S. and Canada responded: 

“I don’t think it will have much impact on sales, but the next 3 years will be pivotal in learning how autonomous machinery can benefit customers in our area the most.”

Higher diesel and fertilizer prices are squeezing farm profit margins ahead of the midterm elections. Farmers in Iowa and Kansas discuss rising harvest costs, the war in Iran and whether those pressures will change their votes. Peter Tubbs reports on the debate over farm input costs and the differing political responses across the Corn Belt.