Hardin County CES

Title:

Agriculture Technology

MAP:

Utilizing Technology in Everyday Life

Agents Involved:

Adams, Aldenderfer, Shepherd

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Sustainable Agriculture

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

ANR Biotechnology

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Data Management & Tech

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Grain Crops

Situation:

The nation's agricultural sector is going to face enormous challenges in the future in order to feed 9.6 billion people the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations predicts are going to inhabit the planet by 2050. This will have to be achieved in spite of limited availability of land, increased demand for fresh water, and adapting to climate change. One way to address these issues and increase the quality and quantity of agricultural production is using sensing technology to make farms "smarter". Modern farms and ag operations work much differently than those of a few decades ago, primarily because of advancements in technology, including sensors, devices, machines and information technology. Today's agriculture routinely uses sophisticated technologies such as robots, temperature and moisture sensors, yield monitors, aerial images, and GPS technology. These advanced devices, precision agriculture, and robotic systems allow farm businesses to collect vast amounts of information in order to be more profitable, efficient, safer, and more environmentally friendly. Helpful and sought after, "smart farming" still has many hurdles to overcome before it becomes widespread. One is that the ag sector operates on low margins, so investment in innovation is difficult. Advanced age of many of our farmers also impedes their acceptance and use of available technologies. Cost is high except for larger operations. There are concerns as to who owns the data generated, the company providing the data or the farmer.

Long-Term Outcomes:

All county residents have access to high speed internet access.
Improved farm economic status.
Sustainability of farm.
Long term viability.
Expenses are reduced.
Minimize environmental impact of agricultural practices on air, soil, and water.
Improved soil health and reduced erosion.
Maximize profits for commercial ag producer.
Reduction in rate of pesticide resistance development in pests, pathogens.
Reduction

Intermediate Outcomes:

Use diagnostic services to identify insects, livestock diseases, weeds, etc.
Record chemical use, frequency, timing
Use diagnostic, agent and specialist recommendations
Adopt recommended application techniques
Learn to properly calibrate and use specialized equipment, seeders, etc.
Implementation of on-farm demonstrations.
Make informed decisions on daily activities and actions that affect water quality.

Initial Outcomes:

Demonstrate proper use of pesticides, seed spacing, fertilizer
Proper identification of livestock and use of premise ID's
Awareness of current land grant research concerning new ag technologies.
Demonstrate proper use of sprayers and equipment related to application.
Understanding drift mitigation methods.
Operate an app to balance rations.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Increased use of ag apps for smartphones.
Indicator: Participants
Method: Surveys
Timeline: 2017

Intermediate Outcome: Learn how to calibrate and use specialized equipment.
Indicator: Number of participants in demonstrations
Method: Count
Timeline: Spring 2017

Long-term Outcome: Expenses are reduced.
Indicator: Lower seed cost.
Method: Survey
Timeline: Spring 2017

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Ag Producers

Project or Activity: Precision Ag Expo

Content or Curriculum: GPS, Drones, Apps for Phones

Inputs: UK Extension Specialists, Agents, Allied Industry Personnel, Course Materials, A/V equipment, Ag Technology Equipment

Date: Late Winter 2016

Audience: Beef Retained Ownership Participants

Project or Activity: RFID Technoloogy

Content or Curriculum: Carcass data retrival, USDA-ARS data development

Inputs: UK Extension Specialists, USDA-ARS, Agents, EID tags, Packing Plants, TCSCF Coop, ISU

Date: Fall 2016, Spring 2017, Fall 2017

Audience:

Project or Activity:

Content or Curriculum:

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Success Stories