REPRESENTATIVE FARMS FROM AROUND THE WORLD - World Food: Production and Use - page 33

Figure 1.44. Inside a combine cab showing the computer monitors.
rows across the field without steering the tractor. This also means that he knows exactly
where he has planted and in the case of herbicides where they have been applied.
It is also possible for him to change rates of fertilizer or herbicide as he crosses a
field, thus making a more accurate application of either or both. When harvesting, he
can use sensors on the combine to keep track of the yields he is obtaining as he
crosses a field. Sensors also tell him the moisture content of the grain as it is being har-
vested. He can electronically mark places in the field by longitude and latitude, where a
particular problem, such as poor yields or increased numbers of weeds, occur.
Seeds are purchased from a local seed company and are coated with insecticides to
protect the seed and young plant from root worms and maize borer. Steve also produces
seed for a local company, but he never plants seed produced on his farm.
Figure 1.45. Steve's farm office.