By Laura Sternweis
Drones over crops and collars on cattle are signs of agricultural innovation that Iowa farmers and ag industry professionals are exploring with help from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. They want practical, experience-based learning so they can optimize these and other innovative ag technologies for greater efficiency and profitability.
Optimizing planter, drone and combine technology
Annually since 2022, extension field agronomists have been collaborating with specialists in the ISU Digital Ag Innovation Lab to deliver Planter University workshops at five locations across the state. The extension workshops are just one part of the lab’s broader Planter University training program.
"The Digital Ag innovation Lab is a group of researchers here at Iowa State and we do everything from software and sensor development to controls," said Levi Powell, an instructor with the Digital Ag team. Planter University was created as a way to bring advanced technology research to growers, as well as share the team's knowledge and expertise.
Farmers and ag industry professionals who participate in extension’s Planter University workshops learn how to evaluate planting performance and improve planter efficiency for greater success during the growing season and increased profits for their farming operations. They value the education they gain as worth $10-$20 per acre. The estimated economic impact of the extension sessions is more than $3.3 million over the past four years.
Source : iastate.edu