From the ground up: Tire innovations move ag forward

INDIANAPOLIS — Tires are at the forefront of technology shifts in the agriculture industry.

“Tires can be an important source of information about road conditions, weather, safety and more,” said Brian Goldstine, president of mobility solutions at Bridgestone, during a Blue Room seminar at the National FFA Convention.

Next-generation tires will become sensors that can provide a wealth of information about soil conditions, including compaction, hydration and hardness.

Tires will also be connected to the operation in a way that will maximize performance through proper inflation, pressure, inventory management, and predictive wear and replacement cycles.

Meanwhile, the transportation industry is experiencing major changes.

“One study shows that beginning as early as next year, there will be a shift from internal combustion engines to electric or hybrid motors,” Goldstine said. “And by 2030, nearly half of all vehicles sold will be electric or hybrid electric.

“Additionally, by 2035 it is forecasted that nearly a quarter of all vehicles sold will be self-servicing or autonomous. The primary usage being on-demand services such as Uber or Lyft.

“Today, we are in a new era. Our partnership with organizations like FFA will be a critical component in our efforts to drive more sustainable practices among farmers.”

Tony Orlando, president of Firestone Ag, said tire improvements will allow farmers to carry greater loads with less soil compaction.

Research, design, engineering and testing is moving the tire industry into the future, Orlando said.