#Autonomous Tractors #XAG APC2 #Turkey Farming

Turkish Farmers Embrace Automation with XAG APC2

The agricultural landscape of Turkey, characterized by over 1.5 million tractors, is witnessing a significant shift as small and medium-sized family farms begin to adopt autonomous operations to combat chronic labor shortages and rising costs. This transition is largely driven by the XAG APC2 Autopilot Console, which is transforming even older tractors into intelligent and capable partners in the field. As younger generations return to farming, their efforts to upgrade existing machinery are making automation more accessible and enhancing overall efficiency in the sector.

In the region of Gönen, known for its expansive rice fields, young farmer Numan Korkmaz, alongside his family, manages 140 hectares of rice farms with an upgraded Tümosan tractor featuring the XAG APC2 Autopilot Console. Numan’s journey reflects a broader trend in Turkey’s agricultural practices where farmers are compelled to keep pace with modern advancements. He shares his perspective, noting, “We need to adapt to the modern age in our industry.” For him, investing in the XAG APC2 was essential for enabling precision farming, ensuring centimeter-level accuracy, and maintaining consistent and secure operations for both day-to-day tasks and the future of their family farming business.

Before implementing the APC2, Numan recalls that operating the tractor required constant focus to keep it straight, which often led to exhaustion during long working hours. He experienced the anxiety of potential mistakes that could jeopardize the season's yield. He reflects, “Our work was entirely manual.” The advent of the APC2 marked a turning point, offering hands-free steering and precise accuracy to support various crops. Instead of worrying about missed patches or crooked lines, Numan can now allow the tractor to self-navigate, even in the dark or on challenging terrains.

Tasks such as planting, fertilizing, and tilling have become much more manageable thanks to the APC2’s ability to maintain accurate and parallel line routines. “Precision and accuracy are necessities for us,” he emphasizes. “I prefer the straight-line function; it’s faster, easier, and more practical.” This newfound confidence stems from the APC2’s RTK-based positioning, supported by IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) sensors that instantly detect terrain slope and keep the tractor on its intended path, minimizing overlap and ensuring efficient land utilization. Numan adds, “Fuel and time savings are top priorities for us, and we are also working to reduce excessive inputs.”

Research corroborates these types of gains, with academic studies conducted in Turkey demonstrating that GNSS-based guidance can reduce field overlaps and input usage by 6-10%. With even higher accuracy provided by RTK, farmers like Numan are realizing significant savings in fuel and resources while enhancing efficiency across every operation.

These improvements are particularly critical for small to medium-sized farms today, as indicated by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), which reported an annual inflation rate of 37.86% in Turkey as of April 2025. Ongoing high costs for fuel are exerting tremendous pressure on farming budgets, making solutions aimed at increasing efficiency and conserving resources a necessity rather than a luxury.

For many years, these gains seemed out of reach for small farmers due to high upfront costs and technical complexities. However, the XAG APC2, with its all-in-one design that integrates navigation and control into a single unit, is changing that narrative. The system is operated via a smartphone app and requires minimal maintenance. Numan highlights this aspect, stating, “If you can use an Android phone, you can use this system too,” emphasizing its role in bridging the generational gap in agriculture.

On a typical day, Numan starts work at 7:30 AM, using just 30 liters of diesel to cultivate around 9 hectares, starkly illustrating the savings and peace of mind that automation brings. When it comes to affordability, he candidly states,