Significant solar flare and space weather activity is affecting GPS and RTK networks in tractors at a time when many farmers are trying to complete spring fieldwork.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the severe geomagnetic storm is the worst since 2005.
Landmark Implement, a John Deere dealer in Nebraska and Kansas, issued a statement to its customers warning them of the disturbances.
“We have found that the best course of action at this time is to shut off RTK and use a grace period for SF2/SF3,” the statement said. “This will eliminate the conflicting corrections that the machine is receiving from the base station due to the geomagnetic storm. GPS accuracy will still likely be reduced due to the storms.”
GPS and RTK networks are used in guidance software by farmers to more efficiently operate implements and carry out fieldwork, including planting and spraying.
