Irrigation equipment may also come to mind, as could bales of hay or cows. But a satellite? Well, the complicated machines that circle the planet could play an increased role, helping farmers as they drive their used tractors across the plains.
A recent report from California television station KSBW said that NASA is starting an effort to use satellites to monitor farm fields. The goal is to help producers determine whether a particular patch of land could use a bit more water.
"The program is still in its planning stages and there is currently no estimated cost to those who may want to use the satellite imagery," the television station said.
While some farmers are dealing with a lacking water supply, others have seen too much precipitation, leading to difficulties with planting and harvesting. For example, last year saw some producers needed to pull crops out of the ground into the winter months.
