Many people are surprised when they learn about the technological advancements that have taken place in Colorado’s agricultural industry. My fourth-generation family farm, and farmers across the state, are deploying the latest equipment and software – from autonomous vehicles to electronic yield and planting tracking – to help our industry continue to feed America and countries across the globe.

Last month, CSU Extension hosted an event where demonstrators showcased the latest in automated farming technology, which is deploying AI, lasers and machine learning to accomplish tasks that have traditionally been done by hand, such as weeding. On our farm, we utilize innovative technologies like these and others such as soil moisture probes for precise water delivery and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) drone technology to detect stressed crops, soil health and boost efficiency and sustainability. Widescale adoption of precision ag technologies has been made possible by the significant rural broadband investments that have recently been enacted, allowing farmers to produce more with less.

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Policymakers should maintain a clear path toward further innovations in this space. Any effort to legislate or litigate issues in the tech space must avoid unintended consequences for the innovative technology that has reshaped our agricultural community. Legislation and political lawsuits that would impede the ability of American technology companies to continue developing and deploying the latest digital tools may seem harmless from afar. However, in practice, they could have a negative impact on farmers and other rural stakeholders that rely on these tools every day.

Colorado farmers take great pride in the role we play in putting food on Americans’ tables. Public officials should be making it easier – not harder – for us to fulfill this mission.

Brett Arnusch

Farmer and water management professional

Keenesburg

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