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Which farm tasks can tractors and other machines perform?

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A green cotton combine harvests a field of mature cotton plants, with white cotton bolls visible across the landscape. — Agricultural technology Cotton combine harvesting a cotton field.

Tractors and other farm machinery perform a wide variety of tasks that have transformed agriculture from a labor-intensive manual process into a highly efficient, mechanized industry.12

Crop Production Tasks

Machines are utilized throughout the entire lifecycle of a crop, including:
* Soil Preparation: Primary and secondary tillage, handling crop residues, and drainage or erosion control.1
* Planting: Seeding, planting, and transplanting young plants into fields.13
* Maintenance: Fertilizer application, irrigation, and pest control via sprayers.13
* Weed Control: Using cultivators, harrows, and specialized weeders to protect growing crops.34
* Harvesting: Using combine harvesters to cut, collect, and thresh grains, as well as specialized machines for root crops, cotton, and hay.56

Livestock and Processing

Modern machinery also supports livestock production by handling water, feed, bedding, and manure, as well as assisting in the production of milk and eggs. Additionally, machines are used for transportation, storage, and premarketing processing of agricultural products.1

Tractors serve as the primary power units for these operations, utilizing power-takeoff systems to operate various implements and attachments.3