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2024 AgTech conference celebrates the ‘desert difference’ in Yuma County

Agricultural leaders from around the country and abroad gathered in Yuma this week to learn about the latest technology that can help them in the field.

Yuma County agriculture officials hosted companies that are implementing the latest technology in what they call the “smart field.” Like smartphones, businesses are using wireless technology to propel Yuma County’s more than $4 billion industry into the future.

The Desert Difference AgTech conference opened Wednesday with an on-site demonstration including a spray drone at the Yuma Agriculture Center.

“The purpose of drones is to reduce the liability of pilots in the field and greatly increase safety for those using chemicals,” said Kyle Dennis, a salesman at Keathley Williams Fabrication in Yuma. ” he said. “It’s a more affordable option” for growers. ”

Mitch McClellan, director of the Arizona Laboratory and professor of habitat management at the University of Arizona, said agricultural technologies such as drones and robotics, such as Nico Robotics’ RoboThinner for lettuce thinning, will help the industry continue to pursue best practices. Said to be a method.

Mr McClellan said: “This is a game-changer for agriculture. It has the potential to change the quality and yield of produce and save on fertilizers and pesticides.” I like to think of this as a paradigm shift in the way agriculture is done, not just here in Yuma but around the world. ”

On the second day of the AgTech conference on Thursday, agricultural leaders gathered at the Yuma Civic Center to discuss topics ranging from the growth of agricultural technology in desert climates to the future of automated harvesting and artificial intelligence (AI) in agricultural operations. A panel discussion was held.

“We are committed to making Yuma the most advanced agricultural technology community in the world, with more than 200,000 acres accessing ‘smart farm’ capabilities,” said Tanya Hodges, executive director of the Yuma Desert Agriculture Center. he said.

Paul Brierley is Hodges’ predecessor at YCEDA and currently serves as director of the Arizona Department of Agriculture. Brierley said agricultural technology presents opportunities in Yuma’s desert farming environment.

“Yuma is a great place. We have year-round weather and production, so it’s very important to Yuma state and our nation in terms of food supply and economic contribution,” he said. There are farmers who are willing to use the latest farming techniques. ”

Many of these same agricultural leaders and ag technology companies will gather again in Yuma in February for the 2025 Southwest Agriculture Summit at Arizona Western College.

“Ultra-high precision spot sprayer for thinning lettuce” NIQO Robo Thinner.

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