Although the calendar tells us spring is here, the recent weather indicates it is still winter.

However, there was suitable weather for some early planting in mid- to late March. Crops such as oats, alfalfa, onions and sweet corn (under plastic) have already been planted; just to name a few.

For the most part, producers who have crops already planted don’t need to worry about the cold; except for maybe the sweet corn. Tree fruit, such as apples or peaches, for sure are probably in trouble. Time will tell the extent of any damage.

With winter upon us for another week or so, let us use this opportunity for an update on new technology being utilized on local farms. Technology is changing so fast it is difficult to keep up with all the advancements.

Automation has long been a part of agriculture. An early example would be the progression of moving away from horses to the use of tractors to plow, plant and harvest the fields.

The technological advancements over the years are simply amazing. Although there are costs associated with updating to newer technology, many producers are adopting the use of more modern technology and equipment to improve their operations.

With that being said, there are still some operations using technology from the 1960s or 1970s as the cost to upgrade is just too steep.

Listed below are some of the new items and how they are being used on local farms:

- Drones — used for crop scouting and livestock monitoring

- GPS guided planting equipment and variable rate fertilizer spreaders

- GPS auto steer for tractors, combines and self-propelled sprayers

- Computer-controlled calf feeder for dairy producers feeds milk replacer to many calves from one feeder; each calf has a computer chip in its ear tag to monitor feeding

- Cameras are streaming live feed pictures into computer monitors so livestock can be monitored day or night

- Sprayers are using GPS and shutting off spray nozzles automatically

- Robotic milking stations are being used to milk cows

- Yield monitors are being used to calculate production while crops are being harvested

- Computer controls are being used to monitor grain quality in storage bins.

These are a few examples of how local farms are utilizing modern technology.

However, it is important to note that while some operations have adopted newer technology, the vast majority have not — it is just too costly for the benefit gained.

Each operation must weigh the benefits versus the expense. For some it makes sense; each operation is different.

Luke Fritz is executive director of the Butler County Farm Service Agency.