By Clint Thompson
A focal point of research at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) will be highlighted during the Florida Ag Expo on Nov. 18.
Nathan Boyd, associate center director of the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center and professor of horticulture and weed science, believes artificial intelligence (AI) to be the future of Florida agriculture if growers are to remain sustainable.
“I would classify us still in the early stages of developing AI for a lot of the growers. It’s going to transform agriculture. What we’re trying to do at the Ag Expo is set time aside to present the technologies that exist now; ones that growers could actually use today as well as talk about things that are coming in the near future,” Boyd said.
“There’s no question that AI’s going to help do things more efficiently, handle data more efficiently, manage pests more efficiently. You could keep going talking about all the potential benefits of AI. There’s a lot of interest.”
Scheduled Presenters
Among those scheduled to present at the expo in Wimauma, Florida include Arnold Schumann, professor in the UF/IFAS Soil and Water Sciences Department, who will discuss AI’s impact on precision farming.
Manoj Karkee, associate professor at Washington State University, will discuss the future of AI and robotics in specialty crops.
Paul Nagel, with Stout AgTech, and Pauline Canteneur, with FarmWise, will talk about mechanical weeding technologies in vegetable crops.
Daniel Carmichael, with Bear Flag Robotics, will discuss advanced tractor automation.
Boyd will also highlight smart spray technologies for herbicide applications during the afternoon session.
Opening remarks will begin at 8:45 a.m. The first presentation will start at 9 a.m.
Click here to register for the event.
Florida Ag Expo is a partnership between AgNet Media, Inc. and UF/IFAS. It also includes the Florida Tomato Committee, Florida Strawberry Growers Association, Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association and the Florida Fertilizer & Agrichemical Association.