Farmers and others will have an opportunity to learn about robotics in agriculture, safe grain handling, the NDSU Plant Diagnostic Lab, farm stress, leadership and civic engagement, agribusiness, and the significant impact of loud noises in agriculture from NDSU Extension personnel during the Big Iron Farm Show in West Fargo, Sept. 13-15.

NDSU Extension personnel will have exhibits at the east end of the Hartl Ag Building in booths AL 10 - AL 12. In addition, Extension agents and specialists will be available to answer questions about crop and livestock production, and other rural topics.

“This is an opportunity for people to stop by to view the displays, ask questions, provide input or just visit,” says Ken Hellevang, NDSU Extension agricultural engineer. “The Extension exhibit will focus on current topics, with Extension agents and specialists available to discuss current challenges.”

Agricultural engineering students will display how robotics might fit in production agriculture. For example, a robot might travel through a field, identify an herbicide-resistant weed and remove the weed. The students won second place at a recent national competition with their robot that harvests cotton.

Agriculture is a noisy occupation, which can lead to permanent damage to the ears. Stop by the exhibit to learn more about the different levels of noise in agriculture and actions to prevent hearing loss.

Because farming is a stressful occupation, another aspect of the exhibit will focus on resources available to help producers survive the many challenges they face.

Agribusiness Extension faculty also will have a display and be available.

Learn about the NDSU Plant Diagnostic Lab which assists the general public and professionals in agriculture and horticulture to identify plant pests and disease problems.

Leadership and civic engagement specialists will have resources on hand to share with you to ensure that your organizations and meetings are efficient and productive. Learn about leadership programs such as Rural Leadership North Dakota, Lead Local and Community Impressions. Learn more about ways to be a leader in your community and opportunities to strengthen your skills and be sure to stop and register for giveaways.

East of the Hartl Building, the NDSU Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Department will demonstrate WeedBot, a robot that uses precision technology to identify weeds and apply spot spraying. Additional precision agriculture technology demonstrations are planned.

Also, on the east side of the Hartl Building, students from Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering will have their one-fourth scale tractor on display. Students design and build the tractor, then compete against other teams from across the country. They won the maneuverability category during the national competition this year. Students will also have a several reconditioned tractors on display. The agricultural systems management students recondition a tractor each year as a student club activity.

NDSU Agriculture Communication – Aug. 23, 2022

Source: Ken Hellevang, 701-231-7243, kenneth.hellevang@ndsu.edu

Editor: Elizabeth Cronin, 701-231-5391, elizabeth.cronin@ndsu.edu