For many, considering the effects artificial intelligence (AI) may soon have on society is a source of both anxiety and wonder. Agriculture, as much as any industry, is in line for big changes. Farm equipment may soon have a mind of its own.

Cultivating a successful precision farming department in a farm equipment dealership is a challenge that is as difficult as it is rewarding. Spinning the precision department off into a standalone business takes that challenge to the next level. Five years ago, Jim Straeter, owner of New Holland Rochester in Indiana, did just that. In a panel at the Precision Farming Dealer Summit, Straeter, along with his Precision Ag Manager, Lanty “Spud” Armstrong, shared their journey toward making precision a profitable standalone business.

After developing two proprietary technologies, ATC recently launched their eDrive diesel-electric motor as a segue to a fully autonomous tractor.

We had a chance to meet with Dave Dusanek, president of DigiFarm, at the 2015 Farm Progress Show to talk about the unveiling of the Beacon. The Beacon is the industry’s first Apple MFi certified Bluetooth Device called the Beacon v3.0 and a companion iOS NTRIP App.