Tentative Agenda and Information Sheet for Precision Ag Conference Now Available

Detailed conference information and a tentative agenda for the 2009 Precision Ag & Field Crops Conference in Atmore, Alabama is now available. This year’s event will focus on the implementation and benefits of precision agriculture technologies and management for both crop and livestock production.

Display and equipment demonstration areas are available for vendors, along with an educational poster session. Click here for event details .

Topcon Introduces On-the-go Plant Nutrition Sensor

Topcon Precision Agriculture announces the development of CropSpecTM, a real-time integrated plant nutrient monitoring and application system for agricultural equipment. The Topcon system utilizes a two-sensor system (left and right side of the cabin) that allows a farm operator to monitor plant conditions and apply fertilizer and other inputs only as needed. Click here to read the full press release.

Southern SARE Invites Producer and On-Farm Research Proposals

The calls have been released for the 2010 Southern Region SARE Producer Grants and 2010 Southern Region SARE On-Farm Research Grants. Proposals for both programs are due by November 15, 2009. Southern SARE Producer Grants are only open to farmers and/or ranchers or producer organizations. Southern SARE On-farm Research Grants are open to Extension, NRCS and NGO personnel who work with farmers. While all SARE proposals must promote agricultural practices that are profitable, environmentally sound and good for rural communities, these two grant programs have identified nine broad focus areas. Proposals are invited that address: soil health, beneficial insect habitat, alternative crops/livestock, organic agriculture, marketing, sustainable grazing systems, improving the sustainability of existing farming practices, appropriate technology, and agroforestry. Full information and instructions can be found by clicking here.

NRCS CSP Programs Include Precision Ag

The 2009 Conservation Stewardship Program through NRCS includes enhancement activities focused on precision agriculture. The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) is a voluntary conservation program that encourages producers to address resource concerns in a comprehensive manner by undertaking additional conservation activities and improving, maintaining and managing existing conservation activities. Enhancement activities for precision agriculture include controlled traffic systems, nutrient applications, targeted spray applications and automation of irrigations systems. For a full list of CSP

Enhancement Activities click here.

New Publication Available Detailing GPS Correction Services for Alabama

Several types of DGPS correction services are available to civilian users in Alabama. A newly released publication,written by Auburn University Biosystems Engineering research engineer Daniel Mullenix,provides an overview of correction services available in Alabama including WAAS, Coast Guard Beacon, John Deere Starfire System, OmniSTAR, RTK and CORS network solutions. To read the publication click here.

View More Announcements

Upcoming Events

Precision Agriculture and Field Crops Conference

The Fourth Annual Precision Agriculture and Field Crops Conference will be held December 8, 2009 at the Wind Creek Hotel in Atmore, Alabama. The conference will feature precision agriculture exhibits, equipment demonstrations and educational sessions. For more information view the conference web site or contact Shannon Norwood at 256-353-8702.

Irrigation Training Scheduled for November 3rd

An Irrigation Training is scheduled for November 3rd at the Tennessee Valley Research & Extension Center. The program which begins at 9 AM will include information on basic soil / water relationships, irrigation scheduling and moisture sensors. For more information on the program click here.

Alabama Forage Conference

The Alabama Forage Conference is scheduled for December 10, 2009 at the University of West Alabama in Livingston, AL. Click here to view the conference agenda. Contact Dr. Don Ball at (334) 844-5491 for more information.

Precision Ag Blog