FIRA USA Showcases Smart Farm Technology

Oct 17, 2025
By Farms.com

FIRA USA highlights research technology and workforce growth

The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will convene at the 2025 FIRA USA exhibition on October 21 in Woodland, California, to discuss the evolving landscape of agricultural research, technology, and workforce development. The meeting will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Yolo County Fairgrounds’ Home Arts Building.

FIRA USA, held from October 21–23, is a major agricultural robotics and automation conference that showcases emerging technologies transforming the farming sector. The Board’s session will bring together leaders in research, innovation, and regulatory policy to explore advancements helping farmers adapt to modern challenges.

The California Department of Pesticide Regulation will also provide an update on “SprayDays,” a new transparency tool offering early access to information about the planned use of restricted pesticides in production agriculture. Additionally, the Board will review findings from the Regulatory Alignment Study conducted jointly by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA).

Invited speakers include experts from the University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources; ARKEN Strategies; Nuffer, Smith, Tucker; Crowe LLP; and the California Department of Pesticide Regulation.

“California’s agricultural sector continues to innovate and evolve – becoming more efficient, climate resilient and environmentally focused” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “Research and technology are helping farmers and ranchers to continually improve efficiencies and productions practices to meet the needs of consumers and local communities.”

The Board continues to advise the Governor and CDFA on agricultural issues and fosters dialogue among government, industry, and the public to strengthen California’s agriculture.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-shotbydave

Video: Dicamba Returns for Georgia Farmers: What the New EPA Ruling Means for Cotton Growers

After being unavailable in 2024 due to registration issues, dicamba products are returning for Georgia farmers this growing season — but under strict new conditions.

In this report from Tifton, Extension Weed Specialist Stanley Culpepper explains the updated EPA ruling, including new application limits, mandatory training requirements, and the need for a restricted use pesticide license. Among the key changes: a cap of two ½-pound applications per year and the required use of an approved volatility reduction agent with every application.

For Georgia cotton producers, the ruling is significant. According to Taylor Sills with the Georgia Cotton Commission, the vast majority of cotton planted in the state carries the dicamba-tolerant trait — meaning farmers had been paying for technology they couldn’t use.

While environmental groups have expressed concerns over spray drift, Georgia growers have reduced off-target pesticide movement by more than 91% over the past decade. Still, this two-year registration period will come with increased scrutiny, making stewardship and compliance more important than ever.