Know the Demographic Trends: The Findings of a Three-Year Survey on Nitrogen Management and Precision Agriculture Adoption in Southern Idaho

Between 2015 and 2017, a grower survey was conducted to gather data on the demographic trends underlying the use and nonuse of high-tech devices and procedures on farms. Targeted were a small but diverse group of respondents at Extension outreach events, cropping schools and field days via email, social media and online. This publication summarizes the results. Application of Precision Agriculture (PA) methodologies, such as site-specific nutrient management and crop sensors, has the potential to substantially improve fertilizer use efficiency. Yet some Idaho farmers are reluctant to use PA technologies. In order to encourage its adoption, agricultural educators and other stakeholders need to understand the current situation regarding agricultural technologies and N management methods, especially growers' attitudes toward them. This three-year study intends to fill in some of these gaps.