Growing up on his family’s farm in India, Simer Virk did not have a lot of machinery or technology to help do the work. Whether harvesting wheat or picking cotton, he was accustomed to manual labor. However, because of these roots, he now has a deep appreciation for modern machinery and technology in today’s agriculture. As an Alabama Cooperative Extension System precision agriculture specialist, he shares this appreciation by helping farmers discover just how smart their farming can be.
Farmers can use a suite of technologies and data through precision agriculture to create a more efficient, profitable, and sustainable industry. In his role, Simer always looks forward to helping farmers make the most of their existing tools and bringing new precision agriculture technology to their farms.
“We want to make sure that farmers are maximizing the value of the equipment and technology they already have before thinking about adding more technology into their operations.” — Simer Virk
Simer’s expertise and interests include using new technologies—including planters, sprayers, spreaders, and harvesters—to improve field efficiency and crop productivity. While primarily focusing on row crop technologies, he is excited to explore other opportunities. The needs of Alabama farmers are often different and specific. While some would see this as a roadblock, Simer considers it an opportunity to guide each one, helping them create an individual toolbox to better their farming operation.
Simer’s work with precision agriculture is just one of the many ways to discover smart farming. Whether it is row crops or livestock, an Alabama Extension educator in your area is working to find practical solutions, provide opportunities, and empower people. Discover more at www.aces.edu/discover.
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