As most people involved in agriculture are aware, the advances in technology in the sector have increased markedly across a relatively short period of time.
We have all the "back in my day" stories. People of my vintage drove tractors without cabins, and no power steering. Earlier generations used horses.
Nowadays the cabins of harvesters and tractors resemble a Toyota Landcruiser, with similar levels of comfort and technology at one's fingertips.
Someone recently told me about the first tractor he drove. It was a Chamberlain Countryman with a bench seat - they then added a homemade cabin for a bit of luxury.
The first tractor I spent much time on was a Ford 5000. I asked my dad this question and his was an International AW6, circa 1954 model.
It's all relative I guess, we all start somewhere, and thankfully technology improves.
Expectations of creature comforts in vehicles have also increased. I have a friend who has a relatively recently-built car, and laments the lack of cup holders. An important item to be sure, particularly in the age of takeaway coffee.
The technological changes have been rapid. An example is spraying technology.
We have gone from inaccurate foam marker systems, to one metre GPS, to sub-10 centimetre GPS. This innovation has increased efficiency enormously.
Harvesters have also benefited from the drive for new technologies. Most of the adjustments that historically were done manually, are now done automatically on the fly.
Of course, the other side of the equation is the cost of machinery, which has also risen rapidly throughout the years.
All machinery requires significant capital resources, and any savvy agribusiness should know the reasons why it is upgrading, and the businesses long-term capital management strategy.
Along with the technological advances, the features of machinery cabins have also improved immensely.
I spend a bit of time in harvester and tractor cabins when on farm visits during the year, and I am impressed by the sound and dust proofing, both of which are much better than times past.
The drivers seats are also much improved - they all have ergonomic designs that assist with fatigue management.
Another aspect I enjoy is the pride the good operators take in keeping their workplace neat and tidy. It's a pleasure to jump into a nice clean cab.
This can be difficult to do and maintain in an agricultural environment, but when this happens it shows the quality of the person operating the machine, and their attention to detail.
I have focused on harvesters and tractors - one could add utes, trucks, and other items of plant on the list, the same principle applies to all of them.
Agriculture is a highly technical field and those that do it well tend to keep abreast of technological advances
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