Final answer:
Historically, farmers used manual methods like winnowing with a basket for harvesting crops. Today, they use instant access to information, such as weather forecasts, to make farming decisions more efficient.
Step-by-step explanation:
The passage you're referring to seems to be discussing the historic and modern methods that farmers use to harvest crops and handle agricultural tasks. Traditional methods, such as winnowing rice in a fanner basket or moving cattle through a chute, demonstrate how farmers used natural elements and manual processes in agriculture.
In contrast, nowadays farmers have instant access to a wealth of information that can assist in making more efficient and timely decisions, for example, using weather forecasts to determine the best time to harvest crops. This highlights a shift in agricultural practices from traditional, labor-intensive methods to more information-driven, technologically aided approaches.