A recent milestone for NASA with the Artemis II mission has captured headlines, but the agency’s work extends far beyond space exploration, reaching deep into agriculture. Through its Harvest and Acres programs, NASA is using satellite technology to help farmers and policymakers better understand crop conditions, weather impacts, and global food supply risks.
Mike Humber, who helps lead both initiatives, explained that these programs rely on satellite remote sensing to monitor agricultural systems worldwide. “We’re using satellites that are flying around the earth to understand issues related to food production, agriculture, how we do agriculture,” he said, noting that this data also incorporates weather patterns and supply chain disruptions.
One of the biggest advantages of this technology is its ability to analyze long-term trends. With more than 50 years of satellite data, NASA can compare current conditions to past “analog years” to help forecast outcomes. This allows farmers to make more informed decisions when facing risks like drought, frost, or shifting weather patterns tied to events such as El Niño.
Beyond weather, NASA’s tools are also proving critical in times of global conflict or disaster. Satellite imagery allows researchers to assess crop damage, track abandoned farmland, and monitor food production without needing on-the-ground access. “We can get an estimate that’s consistent and useful from satellite-based data, and we can use that to map the affected cropland areas, estimate the damage,” Humber said.
As global challenges, from extreme weather to geopolitical tensions, continue to impact agriculture, NASA’s work is helping bridge the gap between data and decision-making. By turning satellite imagery into actionable insights, these programs aim to give farmers and industry leaders the information they need to navigate an increasingly complex agricultural landscape.
