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Precision Agriculture and the Land Grant University

Precision Agriculture and the Land Grant University. Roger Brook and Tim Harrigan Agricultural Engineering Department Michigan State University Presentation at Michigan Agri-Business Association 66 th Annual Winter Conference and Trade Show January 12, 1999. What is Precision Agriculture?.

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Precision Agriculture and the Land Grant University

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  1. Precision Agriculture and the Land Grant University Roger Brook and Tim Harrigan Agricultural Engineering Department Michigan State University Presentation at Michigan Agri-Business Association 66th Annual Winter Conference and Trade Show January 12, 1999

  2. What is Precision Agriculture? “Doing the right thing, in the right place at the right time” ... for enhancing profitability and reducing environmental impact. Dr. Fran Pierce Crop & Soil Sciences Department Michigan State University.

  3. The Continuum of Knowledge and the Research Process • Disciplinary Knowledge biological and physical sciences • Subject Matter Knowledge implications of basic knowledge technology development; human capital • Problem Solving Knowledge adaptive and demonstration research A Century of Science in Agriculture: Lessons for Science Policy. J.T. Bonnen. Amer. J. of Agric. Economics 68(5)1066-1080. 1986.

  4. Land Grant Institutions: The Three-Legged Stool • On-Campus Education: 15 colleges; CANR home to 14 academic dept. • MAES: subject matter knowledge; 300 scientists; 5 colleges, 15 field stations • MSUE: problem solving knowledge; application of research to help specific people solve specific problems

  5. Today’s Situation: As a Research Institution • GOAL:Develop guidelines to maximize profitability and minimize environmental impact of production activities that utilize site-specific management principles and technologies • Growing List of Active Investigators • Multi-disciplinary Research Teams corn & soybean; soybean cyst nematode; potato; alfalfa

  6. Today’s Situation:As an Extension Institution • Area of Expertise Teams:knowledge generation and delivery, recognizing that knowledge needed to address critical issues and to capitalize on opportunities is more complex and specialized • Precision Agriculture Training GPS Basics Training (July 1998) MIMC (More Information – More Control) Exploring Aspects of Precision Agriculture Precision Farming-Assessing Soil Variability

  7. Today’s Situation:Teaching Opportunities • Data Collection sensors & instrumentation; VRT technology; computers and controllers; GPS technology; remote sensing • Data Management software; databases; GIS; data analysis • Decision Making application of agronomic & economic information; feedback to controllers and VRT

  8. On-Campus Education:Available Options • Courses and degrees exist for disciplinary knowledge agronomy, entomology, plant pathology • Specific problem-solving knowledge for precision agriculture GIS; remote sensing • Potential for precision agriculture as a specialization option for any degree

  9. Biosystems Technology Management Prepare graduates with strong technical background tempered by broad view of business and economics To apply knowledge of science. agriculture and natural resources technology and management To problem solving in systems of engineering and technology agriculture and natural resources

  10. Precision Agriculture and the Land Grant University • MSU, a Land Grant Institution, contributes basic knowledge subject matter knowledge problem solving knowledge • Precision agriculture has a place in many degree programs • Biosystems Technology Management emphasis on computers, controls, sensors, machinery systems and spatial analysis

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