As technology continues to change, sometimes Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices are introduced to new and improved systems to help farmers and farm owners.

One such item of new technology that FSA is using is Global Positioning Systems (GPS) to determine acreage.

The old system of chains or wheels to measure acreage is now obsolete as GPS technology comes along. GPS is the most accurate way to measure acreage.

FSA representatives are equipped with a backpack and handheld GPS unit that can easily be used to measure even the oddest shaped fields.

Producers that request measurement service are encouraged to participate in the process.

Transporting the FSA representative around the farm either by tractor, quad or pickup truck will save farmers money. The cost for measurement service is $25, plus $15 per hour for each hour on the farm.

GPS measurement request can be done at any time. There are already twelve producers on the waiting list.

After the farm visit, the GPS information entered at the farm will be downloaded into the FSA computer system. An aerial photograph is generated indicating exactly where the field boundaries are and the acreage. Farmers can use this information for a variety of purposes. If someone wants FSA to measure an entire farm or pasture it can easily be done.

GPS is an accompanying technology that can be integrated for analysis of real-world information.

GPS technology - controlled by the United States Department of Defense - is a navigational system consisting of a network of 24 satellites that rotate around the Earth twice per day in a very precise orbit.

The satellites within the network transmit signals to Earth. These signals carry information about the location and distance of the satellite. GPS handheld units use signals received from satellites and ground control stations to calculate the user's exact location. The user's position is then displayed as an electronic map on the unit's handheld screen.