The Innovation Series presented its third event, “Game Changing Advances In Precision Farming Technology,” on August 29 in Des Moines, IA. Paul Schrimpf, Executive Editor with PrecisionAg, provides an overview of the agenda in this welcome address.
PrecisionAg® Innovation Series 2016 – August
On August 29, 2016, PrecisionAg® hosted a one-day conference, “Game-Changing Advances in Precision Farming Technology”, at the Des Moines Marriott in Des Moines, IA. The meeting was the third in the PrecisionAg Innovation Series of events that will explore important, compelling and game-changing topics driving precision agriculture. This day-long meeting featured more than 20 speakers and panelists, and covered data from every angle.
Lessons
Welcome
Session 1: Game Changers and Goats in 2016
With another cropping season coming to harvest, four leading growers provide their perspective on the technologies and techniques they utilized this year, and their outlook for the year ahead.
Session 2: Farming the Marginal Acre with Precision Ag
Jeff and Drew Lakner discuss how the use of precision farming techniques on the fragile soils of the Northern Plains has been a key solution to productivity gains on the farm, and how the necessity of implementing these practices have naturally led to improved sustainability.
Session 3: A Systems Approach to Irrigation Management
Nebraska farmer Roric Paulman discusses how existing and emerging irrigation control technologies are leading to improved water efficiency and stewardship.
Session 4: Technology Lightning Round
Leading precision ag companies share rapid-fire, five minute updates on new products and technologies, innovation, and perspective on the precision market.
Session 5: From Weather Data to Nutrient Management: Challenges and Opportunities in Precision Integration
A panel of experienced precision practitioners talk about the various tools they’ve used, what’s working, and what value is still being left on the table.
Session 6: Opportunities and Challenges in Variable Rate Seeding
Another farmer-directed panel discussion features Illinois farmer Dustin Spears, along with Eric Ehlers, Mugge Seed, and Alex Wimbush and Brett Ochs of The Climate Corporation, discussing how to harness new technologies to improve planting prescriptions and optimize productivity.
Session 7: Expanding Role for Drip Irrigation
North Carolina farmer Kevin Matthews joins Netafim’s Jim Hunt and Observant's John Mascoe to discuss how drip irrigation is expanding into row crops to optimize water and nutrient use.
Session 8: Robotics: Moving the Needle on Automation
This presentation will examine a number of factors relating to the removal of man as a control element, from field production systems.
Session 9 - The Value of Weather Data for Agronomic Decision Support Systems
Learn the basics and best practices of using weather data well beyond simply viewing a daily forecast.
Session 10: Happy Hour: Farmer Perspective on the Day's Discussions
The morning farmer panel returns for a candid “after hours” question and answer panel about the day’s sessions.