Current status of the Future Farming Photo Contest: A taste for more…

29-09-2023 | Tech in focus | News

Digitization, robots, and drones are reshaping the face of agriculture. Future Farming invites its readers to capture progress in agriculture through captivating photos. Here are some intriguing submissions to inspire others, as this is what we want to see more of.

The blend of innovation and technology is revolutionizing the way we cultivate the land. At Future Farming, we believe in celebrating this transformation, and what better way to do it than through the lens of our global community of farmers and technology enthusiasts? For our Future Farming Photo Contest 2023, we have already received dozens of submissions from all corners of the globe. The entries so far have been inspiring, and we’d like to share a sneak preview with you.

Nighttime drone flight amidst an insect infestation in Romania

Photographer: Iulian Stefan

Stefan: "It's my brother spraying with an XAG drone at night, during a massive attack of insects in corn - August 2022." — Stefan: “It’s my brother spraying with an XAG drone at night, during a massive attack of insects in corn – August 2022.”

Editorial Comment: An honest and raw photograph. The blue irrigation machine stands out beautifully against the dark background due to the flash, making the image intriguing and unadulterated, capturing the eerie fluttering of insects. Why spray at night, one might wonder? Is it to immediately quell the insect infestation, or perhaps because the night is usually calm, with no risk of pesticides drifting away?

Modern combine toils under the sun in North Carolina, USA

Photographer: Elizabeth Williams

Elisabeth: "Here we have a hard-working combine driven by Richard Smith. This John Deere combine is harvesting corn in this hot and humid weather. What separates this combine from the older generational combines is the technology behind this beautiful masterpiece." — Elisabeth: “Here we have a hard-working combine driven by Richard Smith. This John Deere combine is harvesting corn in this hot and humid weather. What separates this combine from the older generational combines is the technology behind this beautiful masterpiece.”

Editorial Comment: Compared to a decade ago, the modern combine is indeed a masterpiece. A GPS receiver on the cabin’s roof is now standard, potentially recording data like yield per square meter of harvested corn and much more data. What makes the photo even more captivating is the straw hat ready for the driver’s right foot. The combine is caught in rising dust with a forest in the background and thriving weeds in the foreground.

Robot liberates onions from weeds in dark Sweden

Photographer: Tomas Tauber

Tomas: ‘In a distant field, far, far away, an uneven battle rages between the noble onions and the evil local tribes of scentless mayweed, couch grass, and Chenopodium album. Peace and freedom were sought after, and the noble onions ultimately emerged victorious from the conflict with the help of their superior Ekobot robots, who cunningly and forcefully managed to overpower the wicked tribes of weeds.”

Editorial Comment: What a poet Tomas is! He transports us to the mysterious world of Höllviken, Sweden. In a playful narrative, the photo captures the struggle between onions and invasive weeds. This image underscores the crucial role of automation and robotics in modern agriculture. Robots illuminated by lasers or LED lights toiling in the fields at night is also the image we will frequently witness in the near future.

These captivating snapshots are just a glimpse of the rich array of submissions we have received. The Future Farming Photo Contest 2023 is accepting entries until October 12th. We invite you to be part of this celebration of innovation and transformation. Submit your photos and show the world how modern technology is reshaping the face of agriculture.