Solar Storms are disrupting farmer GPS systems during critical planting time
Are Solar Storms Jeopardizing Our Food Supply?
Recent solar storms have caused significant disruptions to GPS systems used by Midwest farmers, particularly affecting their planting operations as the crucial May 15 deadline for corn approaches. The storms, described as the worst in over two decades, have compromised the precision of Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) systems on tractors, leading to misplaced crops which could hinder future agricultural activities.
The impact extends beyond immediate planting disruptions, with potential delays due to weather forecasts and broader implications for high-tech farming reliance. This has fueled support for right-to-repair laws, allowing farmers more control over their equipment repairs. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) warns that these severe solar storms may continue, posing ongoing risks to technological systems and operations.