New technology helping Yuma farmers alleviate labor shortages

YUMA,AZ (AZFamily) — As farmers across the U.S. face labor shortages, many are turning to smart farming.

Automated machinery and tools are helping farmers with efficiency and labor costs.

Mechanical lettuce harvesters, laser weeders, farming drones and automated farming equipment were displayed at this year’s The Desert Difference: A Showcase of AgTech Opportunities for Growing in the Desert at the University of Arizona Yuma Agricultural Center.

Dozens of local growers were there to look at the latest technology.

“We always got to be on the forefront looking for technologies that will help us grow safe and affordable food for the consumer,” said Cory Mellon with Mellon Farms.

Mellon and his brothers own Mellon farms.

Together, they produce hundreds of pounds of produce every year on about 5,000 acres of land.

He said they’ve already started to incorporate drones.

“The spray drones, one benefit to it is that it’s a more precise application. Therefore, you can use less chemical and still get the same result you need,” Mellon said.

Using less chemicals can help save money.

“Chemicals aren’t getting any cheaper. Fuel is not getting less expensive, labor, of course always goes up,” Mellon said.

Ben Palone with the Western Growers Association said new technology can help fill the gap of labor shortages in farming.

“So even today there are crews that go out and remove weeds by hand,” Palone said.

Now, machinery like an automated weeder can replace human labor.

“A lot of this technology can help the growers save time and efficiency. They have a hard time finding these labor crews to do these activities,” said Palone.

Mellon said the need for workers will always be there but these new technologies help.

“Some of the technologies will reduce the need for labor and alleviate that,” Mellon said.

While tech is a pricey investment, it’s now a necessity for farmers like Mellon to stay competitive in the market.

“As things progress and get more expensive, we have to look for avenues to shave costs for the consumer,” said Mellon.

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