Farmers, agribusiness personnel, educators and agriculture industry representatives are invited to consider what role they may have in the future of agriculture by attending the Growing Michigan Agriculture Conference on Jan. 24, 2013, at the Lansing Center. The conference, hosted by Michigan State University Extension, will bring cutting edge information to farmers and professionals in agriculture. 

Joe Luck, University of Nebraska – Lincoln, Department of Biological Systems Engineering and an expert in precision agriculture, will discuss various technologies needed for tomorrow’s agri-professionals. Technology has had a profound influence in everyone’s lives—and farmers are no exception.  Work, school and leisure time continue to evolve and change almost daily. Luck will discuss how technology changes agriculture and how farmers do business.

Luck believes there are three areas of importance associated with precision agriculture for the future: utilizing data from precision agriculture for assessing changes in crop production management; processing large datasets for analysis or for developing prescription maps; and looking forward into farm data management and automation through telematics.

Today’s agriculture professional will be able to learn more about the areas of importance and then consider the numerous economic and environmental benefits that may be realized to increase agriculture profitability and sustainability; enhance product quality, protect the environment; and optimize the use of agricultural pesticides, fertilizers, seeds, water and energy and other crop amendments.

Source : msu.edu