WEST TEXAS FARMERS HELP SHAPE NASA CROP TOOLS

West Texas farmers are helping shape a research project to put information about their fields within reach on a phone.

The Sandhills Area Research Association is working with NASA Acres on remote sensing tools that support farming decisions. Director Tillery Sims said the work includes planting dates, production methods and mapping cover crops.

One project involves developing an app that can display crop conditions. Farmer Conner Watts is giving feedback as the app takes shape.

The information described includes how green or brown crops appear, crop health, soil moisture and indicators related to pests and disease. The goal is to help producers interpret field data when making decisions during the season.

Watts, a first generation farmer, said access to usable information is important as he builds his operation. Sims said her experience with farming’s financial pressures motivated the work.

The project remains under development. The update did not announce a public launch date or price.

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Photo Via AP News