Entry Point Precision Ag Technology: Benefits & Costs for Decision Making
John Hanchar, Farm Business Management Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops

Summary
- Expected changes in profit attributed to auto steer exceed 0 over a range of expected values for key factors
- overlap without and with auto steer, acres affected, and others
- Net present value analysis yields similar favorable results
- Understand that some benefits to the operator are difficult to quantify, but valuable -- reduced stress, reduced fatigue
- Producers encouraged to take advantage of analysis provided by equipment professionals, advisors etc. when making decisions
Precision Agriculture Technology: Benefits and Costs for Decision Making (pdf; 453KB)
Upcoming Events
2026 Corn Silage Dry Down Day- Yates County
September 14, 2026
Himrod, NY
Bring a sample of corn stalks from each field you anticipate harvesting for corn silage to receive whole plant dry matter value, estimated harvest date range, and information on best management practices for the 2026 corn silage harvest.
2026 Corn Silage Dry Down Day- Seneca County
September 15, 2026
Romulus, NY
Bring a sample of corn stalks from each field you anticipate harvesting for corn silage to receive whole plant dry matter value, estimated harvest date range, and information on best management practices for the 2026 corn silage harvest.
2026 Dairy Feeder School- Wyoming County
November 11, 2026
Perry, NY
Registration will open by the end of September.
Wednesday, November 11, 2026
Join the Regional Dairy Specialists for a one day on-farm training for dairy farm feeders. The training will be offered in English and Spanish and will feature stations with hands-on activities and demonstrations.




