The 2002-2003 sugarcane harvest season began with a curious mixture of men and machines that might be a preview of things to come.  Days before harvest began, a joint Research, Ag and Ag Services field day was held to showcase the development of an automatic steering device that can be attached to field tractors and cane harvesters.  While the device does not replace a human operator, it does help the driver maintain an accurate track across the field.  Using Global Positioning Systems, the device is like an auto-pilot, keeping the machine on a specific course through the field.  Tests showed that a harvester with the device moved across a half-mile field, varying less than two inches from start to finish.  It also allows efficient operations at night or during poor visibility conditions.

Regardless of the technology involved, Mother Nature refused to be held to a particular schedule as rain delayed the full-scale start of harvest until October 16.  However, even in the field operations, the human touch still reigns supreme.  As South Shore's relative newcomer Ramon Guzman (equipment operator) waited to set a cane fire, he sought out veteran Harvest Supervisor Donnie Scruggs, asking the difference between "problem" and "trouble."  It seems Guzman is learning English from his fellow workers.  Scruggs is learning some Spanish as well.  Guzman, like many others on the farms, is learning to operate the harvester and other equipment, enabling him to earn more.  "We're a team here and the more skills we all have, the better it is for everyone," Scruggs said.