Agriculture Showcase event exposes farmers to new technology, scientific research
PRINCESS ANNE, Md. – Research and modern technology were the focuses of UMES’ 2022 Agriculture Showcase, providing farmers exposure to the latest equipment and crop studies. This year’s focus was on corn.
“It’s a great demonstration of different sectors of the agriculture community coming together for the good of everybody involved,” UMES Department of Agriculture Food and Resource Sciences Chair Dr. Jurgen Schwarz said.
“We want to produce food because the world needs it and do it in a way that’s sustainable and has the least negative impact on the environment.”
The event featured farm tours, interactive demonstrations, and several vendors showcasing their products and services.
Event partner Atlantic Tractor says new technology allows farmers to maximize their acreage and reduce production time. “So getting more out of your acres helps feed the population,” Atlantic Tractor Precision Agriculture Manager Aaron Boggs said.
“That only adds to profitability. The faster they get the stuff in the better the quality is.”
Crop Advisor Adam Smith with Simplot Grower Solutions says their focus is finding ways to make sure farmers see a return on their investments, but factors like the rising cost of products and even weather conditions have made that a challenge.
“They’re depending on rain and proper weather to grow these crops. We’ve been struggling with some droughts in areas. Some people are getting rain and some are not,” Smith said.
Despite this, those we spoke with say this exposure is key for farmer longevity in an industry that continues to evolve. “Bring this research together and community together and looking at this data and the cost comparison and the prices will allow these farms to have more knowledge and information to work together as a team to have better results,” Smith said.
Some of that new equipment includes Atlantic Tractor’s first autonomous tractor and and a see-in-spray tool that will have save more than 50% of chemicals being used.
