In 1837, John Deere created a steel plough that would make it easier for farmers to plant crops in soil that was hard and sticky. This particular plough was revolutionary because it allowed farmers to work continuously without having to stop every few metres to remove soil from the blade. At the time, Deere’s plough was considered the latest and greatest farming technology. His vision birthed a company that produces farming equipment ‒ from ploughs and tractors to combine harvesters and planters ‒ which is being used to reshape a massive percentage of the earth’s surface. Today, Deere’s company is spearheading an agricultural revolution using technology to add a layer of precision to traditional farming techniques.

Modern agricultural equipment can think, predict and guide farmers, says Wayne Spaumer, technology specialist for Precision AG at John Deere Sub-Saharan Africa. This presents Africa with an incredible opportunity to meet the continent’s food requirements.