September 3, 2009
AMES, Iowa — Developments in precision agriculture will be the subject of a field day Sept. 17 at Iowa State University's Southeast Research and Demonstration Farm.
The Advances in Precision Ag Expo will include field demonstrations of technology, such as auto-steer tractors and auto-shut-off planters. RTK (real time kinematic) guidance systems also will be on display along with commercial and educational exhibits.
"Recent advances in precision ag technology, including RTK guidance systems, auto-steer tractors and variable rate equipment, are changing the way we farm," said Jim Fawcett, ISU Extension field agronomist.
The expo begins at 10:30 a.m. with exhibits and field demonstrations. After the 11:30 a.m. lunch will be a presentation by Dave Nelson, Brokaw Supply, titled, "Operation Strip Till with RTK Guidance Systems." Matt Darr, Iowa State assistant professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering, will discuss precision agriculture's past and future. More field demonstrations are scheduled from 1 to 4:30 p.m.
The expo is open to the public. It is free for members of the Southeast Iowa Agricultural Research Association and $15 for nonmembers. A meal will be served at the expo.
The farm is located 1¾ miles south of Crawfordsville on Highway 218, then 2 miles east of G-62 and ¾ mile north on the Louisa-Washington Road.