How has new technology (smart phones, social media,) changed the way American farmers operate?

[Charles]

How has new technology (including smart phones, social media, Web 2.0, etc) changed the way American farmers operate? How will this technology impact agriculture in the future?

[cbsteh]

I think what you mean to ask is: What is the impact of web technology on American farming", rather than the more general "new technology".

Web technology has made access to information much easier than before. Before, farmers would have to depend on their fellow farmers from neighbouring farms or government or private support agencies for support and help. Now, with web, farmers can search for answers themselves and even make contact with people from farms, agencies, and organizations across the world to help on information or to solve a particular problem.

I think even Yahoo Answers is one good example where questions gets asked and answered.

[D]

what cbsteh said is true but it is much more than that, farmers now instantly know the prices of goods, which suppliers are the best to buy from, even which crops will bring the most money in. combines, sprayers and other machinery can now basically drive themselves. gps now massively aids crop dusters and a huge assortment of other equipment. The farming field is now much less dangerous thanks to available info and readily available medical aid. Weather conditions can now be monitored in real time and forecasts are much more accurate. also disease, weather and insect resistant crops have been developed to aid in the farming process.there are a lot of ways technology has changed the field, talking to a farmer is you best bet for a full fledged answer.