Technology is now making huge inroads into the way we farm. From John Deer to Kobata, IT lowers costs, uses of fewer pesticides, and decreases harvest expenses. Drones are playing a HUGE part in farmers’ growing in real-time. Mapping plant health and spot spraying areas of concern instead of covering entire crops. However, this new technology has many barriers to entry, and Farm-i-tude is playing a critical part in mentoring pilots in this new technology.
The Farm-i-tude curriculum is in over 800 high schools creating job pathways. Farm-i-tude also operates in at least 23 states with pilots they have mentored and helped launch their own business by creating an understanding in compliance with their state Department of Agriculture and the FAA.
Credit: Farm-i-tude
Farm-i-tude’s Mission
Due to the frightening loss rate of America’s small farms, including the 1000’s of acres of farmland being retired because of water shortage, Farm-i-tude is committed to supporting all small farms with as many programs as possible. The Farm-i-tude outreach program teaches the next generation of farmers “Smart Farming,” including zero-carbon farming, water conservation, and other precision technology. At the same time, our small farm showcases this Agriculture Tech in the field managing expenses, resources, and manpower.
Every one of these stakeholders is changing the outcome of the way we farm. Their contribution to bringing in new technology and overcoming integration hurdles is creating clean air, increasing yield by growing in real-time, using fewer chemicals, using less water, creating a positive carbon footprint, and creating jobs.
Howdy, I'm Megan deFabry. I grew up in Reno, Nevada, but since 2017 my heart has called Texas home. I now reside in Austin, Texas since 2020. I'm driven by my faith, cherished relationships with family and friends, and my professional ambitions. I'm passionate about digital marketing and journalism, especially the wide-open spaces of America's Western lifestyle, the grit of agriculture, the excitement of rodeo, and the heart of country music. For nearly a decade, I've been sharing this way of life through storytelling. And like any good cowboy tale, there's a loyal sidekick, my little Dachshund, Frank, who I adopted from a shelter in New Braunfels, Texas, back in 2018. He keeps me grounded, reminding me to chase horizons and savor life's simple joys. I graduated from Texas State University with a Bachelor of Science in Consumer Affairs and a minor in Mass Communication. My major taught me to decode consumer behavior, which is crucial for marketing, while my minor sharpened my storytelling skills. Since then, I've spent years mastering SEO and content strategy, staying ahead in a fast-moving field. My work even caught the eye of Cowboy Lifestyle Network's CTO, Irish Padmore, who recognized me for contributing to his research on Consumer Behavior in the Age of AI. Since 2018, I've been honored to work at Cowboy Lifestyle Network. Now as Editor-in-Chief writing, editing, and publishing articles that capture the cowboy spirit, crafting strategies rooted in Western values, and building real client connections. Guided by ethical journalism, I aim to tell stories that resonate and reflect the unsung heroes of the Western spirit.
