Ed,
Hilarious!!
Antique tractors are another interest of mine, and I do keep a hand in on modern ag as a result of some youthful years pursuing agronomy.
Modern tractors, such as Deere, Case, AGCO and most other makers, include GPS and data recorders. A Combine can be run through a field during harvest, record yields in real time, then the data can be transfered to the tractors and planters for the next season to adjust sowing rates and soil amendments to optimize yields. Adjustments are done continuously with relation to position in a field. Even seed selection can be adjusted based on harvest data. :isadizzy:
GPS of course keeps track of location within a field, and in some experimental systems the tractor requires no driver. Usually the equipment operator is more of a systems manager even when they're on board. Naturally some developers have decided the systems can be monitored remotely from a desk in the office.
You may also see road grading and earth moving equipment operating off of Laser and GPS signals to insure proper contouring of roadways or construction sites. Signals are directly tied to scraper and grader blade positioning.
Which reminds me, aggies also use GPS and Laser to grade fields for proper water retention and runoff.
John Deere had/has a PC computer game that simulates farm management. Geared towards a fairly young audience it nonetheless teaches fundamental principles of crop and farm management.
I think the lads may have not chosen optimal equipment for fuel production. I'd wager there're computer programs that could pick an optimal set of equipment and crop systems for maximum fuel production for minimum cost and energy (just another form of cost) input.
Thanks Ed, I got several good laughs out of those.
