The recent World Ag Expo, spanning across a vast 60-acre ground, showcased the latest innovations in farming technology, with drones and artificial intelligence taking center stage.
In an era where technology is revolutionizing every aspect of our lives, agriculture, one of the oldest industries known to humanity, is not lagging. The recent World Ag Expo, spanning across a vast 60-acre ground, showcased the latest innovations in farming technology, with drones and artificial intelligence (AI) taking center stage.
With thousands of exhibitors, including local farmers and curious visitors, the Expo presented over a thousand different products and the newest advancements in agricultural technology. Among these innovations are Agri-Spray Drones, a company based in Missouri, whose drones fly over crops, efficiently spraying pesticides, fertilizer, and nutrients.
Trey Stephens, a Product Specialist with Agri-Spray Drones, emphasized the importance of empowering farmers with such technologies to enhance efficiency and optimize operations. “Having these tools in their back pockets to be the best that they can be is really what we are all about,” he explained.
The exposure provided by the Expo proved invaluable for Agri-Spray Drones, as Trey noted, “It’s crazy; I did not expect it to be this big at all. It’s bigger than the state fair in Missouri, and just getting the opportunity to meet people from all over the world.”
Hailing from Northern California, Insight Up Solutions showcased how drones and AI can be utilized to count products and detect crop conditions swiftly. Chris Bley from Insight Up Solutions highlighted the efficiency of AI in analyzing vast amounts of data, mentioning, “AI can find a number of crops or some disease or things that the imagery would take a long time for a human to look at.”
Moreover, these technological advancements are not only enhancing efficiency but also creating job opportunities in agriculture, particularly attracting young employees interested in technology. Chris emphasized the potential of these new tools in drawing young talent into the agricultural sector.
Recognizing the importance of supporting small-scale farmers, organizations like Community Alliance Family Farmers (CAFF) are providing resources to help them connect with buyers and grants. Maria Ridoutt-Orozco, a Small Farm Tech Advisor with CAFF, stressed the significance of these resources, especially for small-scale farmers who may lack access to adequate support.
Throughout the Expo, networking and collaboration were the driving forces behind the discussions and interactions among exhibitors, farmers, and visitors alike. The event served as a platform for sharing knowledge, forging partnerships, and exploring innovative solutions to address the challenges faced by the agricultural industry.
As farming continues to evolve with advancements in technology, events like the World Ag Expo play a crucial role in fostering innovation and driving the industry forward. With drones buzzing overhead and AI analyzing crop data, it’s evident that farming, despite its ancient roots, remains at the forefront of technological innovation.