California-based entrepreneur and farming expert Tommy Harwood explains how 5G technology looks set to revolutionize the agricultural industry.
With 5G technology fast on the approach for many, and already here for some, the next generation of the internet looks set to revolutionize all manner of aspects of modern life. A farming expert from Whitethorn, California, entrepreneur Tommy Harwood considers how the new technology could, in particular, change the face of agriculture, both in the U.S. and worldwide, forever.
“For many of us, 5G technology is almost here,” says Harwood, owner and founder of Redway Feed, Garden & Pet Supply, based in Humboldt County, California, “and, for some, including those living in more than 30 U.S. cities currently, 5G connectivity has already arrived.”
The so-called next generation of the internet, he suggests, looks almost certain to change the face of farming and agriculture, both in America and around the world, forever. “From internet-connected tractors and real-time soil monitoring, to, for example, remote veterinarian care, the opportunities afforded by 5G could transform the industry in its entirety,” adds Harwood.
Far faster and more dependable than current 4G, it’s important to remember, farming expert and entrepreneur Tommy Harwood says, that new, 5G technology is about more than just smartphones, music streaming, and mobile internet more generally. “Way, way beyond entertainment, with its incredibly low latency and higher-than-ever reliability, 5G is so robust that it’ll likely begin, and quickly, to replace traditional wired connections,” he explains. It’ll also see more traditional pieces of equipment and machinery—such as tractors, for example—quickly brought online, the expert says. “Smart tractors!” Harwood remarks.
Internet-connected sensors for monitoring and artificial intelligence-powered equipment, also facilitated heavily by 5G, will see farmers better positioned than ever to keep a check on everything from the weather and soil nutrient levels to livestock wellness and more, according to Harwood, whether they’re physically on the farm or not. “While such technology already exists to a degree, it’s often hindered by poor dependability and slow connection speeds – something which 5G will hopefully resolve almost overnight,” he adds.
Indeed, 5G promises five times the speed of the most commonly used current internet connection options straight out of the box. Yet, according to semiconductor and telecommunications equipment company Qualcomm, it’ll be as many as 15 years before the full economic effect of 5G is realized globally. “In the U.S. and many other countries, however, we’ll likely see significant economic effect much, much sooner,” suggests Harwood.
“There’s no doubt in my mind that the future of farming is coming,” he adds, wrapping up, “and, I believe, it’ll be heavily influenced and powered by the next generation of the internet – 5G.”
