Traditionally, agriculture conjures images of workers tilling fields and picking crops. However, the changing landscape of our climate is driving farmers to embrace modern technologies that challenge these age-old practices. With the effects of climate change manifesting as prolonged dry seasons, strained water supplies, and diminished yields, farmers are more frequently looking to technology to sustain their livelihoods.
Liron Cohen-Yanay, CEO of agtech company Agripass, emphasizes the transformative role of robotics and automation in contemporary farming. “Today we know that robotics and automation can influence yield, soil health, and the quality of water, allowing for the replacement of herbicides,” she says. This shift to technology is not only about improving efficiency; it’s about survival in a challenging agricultural environment.
Despite the potential benefits, the adoption of robotic harvesting systems has been fraught with difficulty. Several companies in this niche have declared bankruptcy, primarily driven by high development costs, unpredictable field conditions, and the challenge of persuading farmers to invest in equipment that is often less reliable than human labor. For example, at least six robotic harvesting companies went under between 2021 and 2025. Yet, some companies are finding success by focusing on simpler, specialized tasks. FineField’s Harvy 500, a solar-powered robotic blueberry picker, offers a high quality of harvesting while streamlining labor costs, demonstrating a path forward for robotics in agriculture.
Additionally, innovations in soil treatment technology like adaptive selective tilling (AST) have garnered attention. Cohen-Yanay points out that traditional tillage methods, which currently dominate agricultural practices, often lead to detrimental soil health, reducing water absorption and crop yields. AST utilizes 3D terrain mapping and real-time sensors to assess only areas of a field that require tilling based on various factors like soil moisture, compaction, and weed pressure. Agripass estimates that utilizing AST can dramatically cut greenhouse gas emissions, enhance water retention, and possibly eliminate the need for harmful pesticides.
The need for cutting-edge solutions is particularly acute in regions such as the Yakima River Basin in Washington state, which is grappling with severe water scarcity. Local authorities expect to reduce water allotments by as much as 40% in 2025 due to prolonged drought conditions. At a “smart orchard” in Mattawa, Washington State University researchers conducted trials in 2024 using precision automated irrigation systems that generate tailored watering schedules for apple trees. The systems were designed using data from soil moisture sensors and local weather forecasts. Remarkably, this approach reduced water usage by 52% while boosting yields by 21%, illustrating the power of precision agriculture.
Steve Mantle, CEO of agritech data services firm Innov8.ag, highlights the quantifiable benefits of such innovations. “That’s a good example of where a grower was able to improve the quality for their buyers while being more sustainable,” he notes. This dual benefit of sustainability and profitability is crucial for farmers who are increasingly held accountable for their environmental impact.
Further east in Washington, the Spokane Hutterite Brethren exemplify a different approach to technology in agriculture. This communal farming group shares large amounts of surplus potato crops with neighboring communities each year. Although they are discerning about the technology they adopt, the Hutterites have collaborated with Innov8.ag to apply digital soil mapping to pinpoint where lime should be applied to reduce soil acidity. By concentrating on “hot zones” rather than blanket applications, they’ve improved both the quality and quantity of their yields.
Innov8’s soil mapping utilizes technology originally developed for mining exploration. It employs sensors capable of detecting gamma rays emitted from the soil, allowing for detailed maps that reveal variations in texture, acidity, and nutrient composition. This granular understanding of soil conditions helps farmers make informed decisions on where and how to apply treatments for optimal crop health.
The impact of technology extends beyond soil improvement; it also addresses labor challenges in agriculture. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, labor costs can account for up to 40% of upfront expenses for specialty crop farmers. To remain competitive, many growers are investing in automation and digital monitoring systems. Mantle has collaborated with growers to implement systems where workers deposit full totes of produce onto a digital scale and swipe a personalized RFID chip. This enables real-time tracking of labor productivity, allowing growers to identify their most efficient workers and pair them with those needing assistance.
Such data-driven strategies not only optimize labor costs but also encourage productivity. For instance, one grower saved more than $4,000 daily by extending work time for their top 80% of pickers by just ten extra minutes—a small adjustment that led to significant savings.
As the agricultural sector increasingly incorporates technology, it paves the way for improved consistency and quality in harvests. For farmers today, the pathway lies not in choosing between tradition and technology, but rather in deftly blending the two to enhance resilience against climate-related challenges. From managing soil health and optimizing water use to fine-tuning labor efficiency, each technological advance serves to alleviate pressures faced today and ensures a fruitful harvest for tomorrow.
Incorporating such technologies into agricultural practices not only addresses immediate challenges, but also sets the stage for long-term sustainability and operational efficiency. As Mantle notes, “Introducing data that can be used for traceability allows growers to understand where yield is coming from within the field on a year-over-year basis.”