Be the change or be changed, saysNikolas Badminton, futurist and TechTour alumnus.

What does that mean for agriculture? Well, according to Badminton, it means that farmers are either going to have to adapt and evolve their practices, technology, and equipment, or someone else willing to do so will be the one farming and not them.

Its perhaps a strong message for an industry steeped in tradition like agriculture, but history shows that farmers have always been able to adapt, change, and move forward. The rate of that change and the costs associated with it is increasing, however, and farmers are going to have to be nimble in the face of rapidly advancing technology, urbanization, and social shifts.

According to Badminton there are some key areas of advancement that farmers need to pay attention to and adapt with. These are:

All of these areas have big money behind them for research and development, and change is happening at a rapid pace. That said, Badminton doesnt agree with those that are calling for a very abrupt end to how much of the worlds protein is raised as livestock.

Data, too, is already re-defining how most businesses operate and farming is no different. Sensor technology is growing in leaps and bounds, he says, and its this data that will shape technology and push change.

We shouldnt be scared of the opportunity. Yes, we need to work out the business casebut lets pilot projects, lets see what can work, he says, If farmers evolve, theyll flourish, if they dont, businesses will move in and do the work required, Badminton says.

Hear more about what Badminton sees happening and not happening in agriculture in the next 10 years:

Related: What will farmers do when they no longer drive tractors?

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android |

Original post:

Change or have change happen to you, says futurist - RealAgriculture