By Clint Thompson
Technological advancements provide Alabama fruit and vegetable growers an extra layer of security to protect against theft. During this time of year, tractors and farming equipment are vulnerable to theft since they are often left in fields or orchards for extended periods.
But technology, like GPS, allows producers to always know where their property is even if it was to be stolen, says Aaron Wells, an agronomic crops agent with Alabama Extension at Auburn University.
“Most of your newer tractors have cell modems in them. I know most about the John Deere system. John Deere has their operation center where, if your tractor’s got the modem in it, you can link that to your John Deere operations center account. When your tractor cranks up, you can see exactly where it is,” Wells said. “Or when it switches off, you can see right where it’s parked. You can get all kinds of information about that piece of equipment when it’s running, if that modem is activated. I know other manufacturers have similar systems that are available for their equipment, too. That would be a huge help as far as recovery goes; knowing where it is. That would give you the time and location; all kind of valuable information if it were to get stolen.”
Alabama Extension reminds farmers that the best way to protect equipment is to make it less enticing to steal. This includes keeping equipment out of plain sight and behind a locked gate. Also, don’t leave keys accessible to vehicles or pieces of equipment.