Idaho Farmer’s Company Builds Automated Tractors

POCATELLO, Idaho (AP) — A company started by a Post Falls seed potato farmer will put an automated tractor on an Idaho field within the next two months.

The Capital Press reports the first Farb Guidance Systems driverless tractor is going to a southern Idaho farmer. Founder David Farb says the tractors are priced starting at $160,000. The GPS-guided machines don't have a cab, and will be about half the size of a normal tractor.

Sensors alert farmers of any equipment problems on the tractors. Farb said his company expects a greater return on investment for farmers using multiple driverless machines. The tractors have been tested on Farb's farm. He plans to use the machines in his regular farming operations come spring.