Precision Farming in Central Kentucky: Evaluating Public and Private Sector Influence on the Adoption Decision

The Cooperative Extension Service is challenged to assess the needs of customers who are unable or unwilling to try new production techniques with the potential to increase profitability. Precision Farming (PF) is a production technique that has the goal of maximizing economic potential by using technology that recognizes variability within fields. Ample research from the last decade shows that precision technologies hold promise for enhanced agricultural profitability. A study conducted in three Central Kentucky counties in 2001 shows that farmers obtain information for decision-making related to PF technologies from their local fertilizer dealer and the Cooperative Extension Service but are dissatisfied with the level of service from both sources