{"id":38584,"date":"2024-12-11T12:42:32","date_gmt":"2024-12-11T17:42:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/crop-and-soil-sciences-new\/?p=38584"},"modified":"2024-12-11T12:42:32","modified_gmt":"2024-12-11T17:42:32","slug":"infusing-farm-technology-into-extensions-knowledge-base","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/crop-and-soil-sciences\/news\/infusing-farm-technology-into-extensions-knowledge-base\/","title":{"rendered":"Infusing Farm Technology into Extension\u2019s Knowledge Base"},"content":{"rendered":"

Farmers view technology, economics, equipment, and agronomics as interconnected, not separate topics,\u201d said Jenny Carleo, North Carolina State University Extension Area Specialized Agent. \u201cUnderstanding their perspective helps us build relationships and serve them better.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Despite their strong agronomic knowledge, many Extension agents struggle to stay updated on rapidly advancing farm technologies.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

To address this, NC State Extension partnered with Quality Equipment and Farm Credit to host an agricultural technology training event in Polkton, North Carolina. The day-long session aimed to familiarize agents with both current tools and emerging innovations.<\/span><\/p>\n

Carleo says the event was inspired by a conversation with John Hoffner, a tech-savvy NC farmer she met far from home.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLast year, I met John Hoffner of Talley Farms at the national collaborative \u2018Think Tank\u2019 event in Indiana hosted by the US Soybean Research Collaborative. John works closely with John Deere as an on-farm equipment tester and had some insightful perspective on what Extension agents need to know. He was the key to this kickoff.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Jenny
Jenny Carleo welcomes agents to the technology training at Quality Equipment.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Training Highlights<\/span><\/h3>\n

Agents explored John Deere\u2019s \u201cOperations Center,\u201d a free platform enabling farmers to collect, analyze, and share farm data. The system supports record-keeping, compliance, planning, and agronomic decisions. Agents learned how to set up their own accounts, opening opportunities for farmers to share data for on-farm trials and advising.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sydney Jalali, an agent from Edgecombe County, saw immediate value in the platform.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis tool allows producers to share farm data and research trial data, track results, and compare outcomes over multiple years. Setting up an account is one of my first steps back home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Matthew
Matthew Tomberlin of Quality Equipment presents John Deere’s Operations Center software.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Additional sessions covered the mechanics of data capture on planters, sprayers, and combines, alongside discussions about autonomous equipment on the horizon. Hands-on field demonstrations allowed agents to inspect tools like real-time grain quality cameras and precision seeding technologies.<\/span><\/p>\n

While some technology may seem new, Quality Equipment\u2019s Stephen Swain says much of it is already in growers’ fields.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIn our area, nine out of ten new John Deere combines are now sold with Combine Advisor, allowing an operator to maintain performance regardless of changing crop conditions. Additionally, eight out of ten new planters are electric drive, allowing for more precise seeding rates at varying speeds and conditions.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Addressing Financial Barriers<\/span><\/h3>\n

Recognizing the steep costs of new equipment, AgSouth Farm Credit provided insights into lease and loan options. Real-world examples helped agents guide growers in balancing efficiency with profitability.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll this technology comes with a hefty price tag,\u201d said Moore County agent Liz Joseph. \u201cHearing about financial strategies to make it more accessible was helpful.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Industry Partnerships<\/span><\/h3>\n

The event was a collaboration of industry representatives and three Extension representatives, Jenny Carleo, Morgan Menaker and Blake Szilvay, dedicated to advancing agricultural efficiency.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Matthew Tomberlin of Quality Equipment emphasized the importance of equipping agents with firsthand knowledge.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOur goal is to work with extension and growers to draw awareness to data and technology that is within their reach. We\u2019re here to help them improve their operations using data and tech in meaningful ways.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Stephen
Stephen Swain and Extension agents inspect a combine from top to bottom.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Agent Takeaways<\/span><\/h3>\n

Many agents attended to expand their technical toolkits. Greene County agent Hannah Howe shared her motivation.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cProducers rely on us for answers. Staying ahead in technology ensures we provide effective support and fresh ideas.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Caldwell County\u2019s Seth Nagy acknowledged challenges for smaller farms but saw opportunities for customization.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJohn Deere can do more than Caldwell County can afford,\u201d Nagy joked. \u201cBut seriously, there are options for almost every producer. It\u2019s about finding what works affordably.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Quality
Quality Equipment’s Stephen Swain explains a combine’s grain camera to a group of NC State Extension agents.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Looking Ahead<\/span><\/h3>\n

This event marked the first in a three-part series on agricultural technology. The concept\u2019s success has already led to plans for similar trainings in eastern North Carolina.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s critical for Extension to stay current on agricultural technology,\u201d said Randolph County agent Blake Szilvay, co-organizer of the event. \u201cProducers count on us for unbiased information. Knowing the marketplace and how to apply it keeps us relevant.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Crop and Soil Sciences Geographic Information Specialist Dr. Rob Austin added, <\/span>\u201c<\/span><\/i>Manufacturers are the experts on their technology, but Extension can play a key role in helping farmers understand the value in their data and how best to utilize that data to make sound decisions.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Agents can explore future sessions through Extension\u2019s professional development system or by joining the Agronomic Crops Program team led by Rachel Vann.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"NC State
NC State Extension agents discuss future tech training needs<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Want More Ag Data Developments?<\/span><\/h3>\n

Crop and Soil Sciences impacts farmers, students, and NC citizens through data-driven innovations in food, feed, fuel, and fiber.\u00a0<\/span>Join our weekly newsfeed<\/a> to follow how our discoveries affect agriculture and environmental science<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you are a student interested in agronomy or crop production, investigate our undergraduate and graduate <\/span>degree programs<\/span><\/a>. Then, join us for a <\/span>guided email tour<\/span><\/a> of our department and university.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false,"raw":"Farmers view technology, economics, equipment, and agronomics as interconnected, not separate topics,\u201d said Jenny Carleo, North Carolina State University Extension Area Specialized Agent. \u201cUnderstanding their perspective helps us build relationships and serve them better.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nDespite their strong agronomic knowledge, many Extension agents struggle to stay updated on rapidly advancing farm technologies.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nTo address this, NC State Extension partnered with Quality Equipment and Farm Credit to host an agricultural technology training event in Polkton, North Carolina. The day-long session aimed to familiarize agents with both current tools and emerging innovations.<\/span>\r\n\r\nCarleo says the event was inspired by a conversation with John Hoffner, a tech-savvy NC farmer she met far from home.<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u201cLast year, I met John Hoffner of Talley Farms at the national collaborative \u2018Think Tank\u2019 event in Indiana hosted by the US Soybean Research Collaborative. John works closely with John Deere as an on-farm equipment tester and had some insightful perspective on what Extension agents need to know. He was the key to this kickoff.\u201d<\/span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_38588\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1500\"]\"Jenny Jenny Carleo welcomes agents to the technology training at Quality Equipment.[\/caption]\r\n

Training Highlights<\/span><\/h3>\r\nAgents explored John Deere\u2019s \u201cOperations Center,\u201d a free platform enabling farmers to collect, analyze, and share farm data. The system supports record-keeping, compliance, planning, and agronomic decisions. Agents learned how to set up their own accounts, opening opportunities for farmers to share data for on-farm trials and advising.<\/span>\r\n\r\nSydney Jalali, an agent from Edgecombe County, saw immediate value in the platform.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u201cThis tool allows producers to share farm data and research trial data, track results, and compare outcomes over multiple years. Setting up an account is one of my first steps back home.\u201d<\/span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_38590\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1500\"]\"Matthew Matthew Tomberlin of Quality Equipment presents John Deere's Operations Center software.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nAdditional sessions covered the mechanics of data capture on planters, sprayers, and combines, alongside discussions about autonomous equipment on the horizon. Hands-on field demonstrations allowed agents to inspect tools like real-time grain quality cameras and precision seeding technologies.<\/span>\r\n\r\nWhile some technology may seem new, Quality Equipment\u2019s Stephen Swain says much of it is already in growers' fields.<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u201cIn our area, nine out of ten new John Deere combines are now sold with Combine Advisor, allowing an operator to maintain performance regardless of changing crop conditions. Additionally, eight out of ten new planters are electric drive, allowing for more precise seeding rates at varying speeds and conditions.\u201d<\/span>\r\n

Addressing Financial Barriers<\/span><\/h3>\r\nRecognizing the steep costs of new equipment, AgSouth Farm Credit provided insights into lease and loan options. Real-world examples helped agents guide growers in balancing efficiency with profitability.<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u201cAll this technology comes with a hefty price tag,\u201d said Moore County agent Liz Joseph. \u201cHearing about financial strategies to make it more accessible was helpful.\u201d<\/span>\r\n

Industry Partnerships<\/span><\/h3>\r\nThe event was a collaboration of industry representatives and three Extension representatives, Jenny Carleo, Morgan Menaker and Blake Szilvay, dedicated to advancing agricultural efficiency.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nMatthew Tomberlin of Quality Equipment emphasized the importance of equipping agents with firsthand knowledge.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u201cOur goal is to work with extension and growers to draw awareness to data and technology that is within their reach. We\u2019re here to help them improve their operations using data and tech in meaningful ways.\u201d<\/span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_38587\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1500\"]\"Stephen Stephen Swain and Extension agents inspect a combine from top to bottom.[\/caption]\r\n

Agent Takeaways<\/span><\/h3>\r\nMany agents attended to expand their technical toolkits. Greene County agent Hannah Howe shared her motivation.<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u201cProducers rely on us for answers. Staying ahead in technology ensures we provide effective support and fresh ideas.\u201d<\/span>\r\n\r\nCaldwell County\u2019s Seth Nagy acknowledged challenges for smaller farms but saw opportunities for customization.<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u201cJohn Deere can do more than Caldwell County can afford,\u201d Nagy joked. \u201cBut seriously, there are options for almost every producer. It\u2019s about finding what works affordably.\u201d<\/span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_38591\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1500\"]\"Quality Quality Equipment's Stephen Swain explains a combine's grain camera to a group of NC State Extension agents.[\/caption]\r\n

Looking Ahead<\/span><\/h3>\r\nThis event marked the first in a three-part series on agricultural technology. The concept\u2019s success has already led to plans for similar trainings in eastern North Carolina.<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u201cIt\u2019s critical for Extension to stay current on agricultural technology,\u201d said Randolph County agent Blake Szilvay, co-organizer of the event. \u201cProducers count on us for unbiased information. Knowing the marketplace and how to apply it keeps us relevant.\u201d<\/span>\r\n\r\nCrop and Soil Sciences Geographic Information Specialist Dr. Rob Austin added, <\/span>\u201c<\/span><\/i>Manufacturers are the experts on their technology, but Extension can play a key role in helping farmers understand the value in their data and how best to utilize that data to make sound decisions.\u201d<\/span>\r\n\r\nAgents can explore future sessions through Extension\u2019s professional development system or by joining the Agronomic Crops Program team led by Rachel Vann.<\/span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_38586\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1500\"]\"NC NC State Extension agents discuss future tech training needs[\/caption]\r\n

Want More Ag Data Developments?<\/span><\/h3>\r\nCrop and Soil Sciences impacts farmers, students, and NC citizens through data-driven innovations in food, feed, fuel, and fiber.\u00a0<\/span>Join our weekly newsfeed<\/a> to follow how our discoveries affect agriculture and environmental science<\/span>.<\/span>\r\n\r\nIf you are a student interested in agronomy or crop production, investigate our undergraduate and graduate <\/span>degree programs<\/span><\/a>. Then, join us for a <\/span>guided email tour<\/span><\/a> of our department and university.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n "},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

To keep pace with the rapid pace of tech change, NC State Extension partnered with Quality Equipment and Farm Credit to host an agricultural technology training event for agents.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2196,"featured_media":38589,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"source":"","ncst_custom_author":"","ncst_show_custom_author":false,"ncst_dynamicHeaderBlockName":"","ncst_dynamicHeaderData":"","ncst_content_audit_freq":"","ncst_content_audit_date":"","footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[24],"tags":[262,258,378,127],"class_list":["post-38584","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-extension","tag-agriculture-technology","tag-farm-technology","tag-nc-state-extension","tag-training"],"displayCategory":null,"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/crop-and-soil-sciences\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38584","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/crop-and-soil-sciences\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/crop-and-soil-sciences\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/crop-and-soil-sciences\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2196"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/crop-and-soil-sciences\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=38584"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/crop-and-soil-sciences\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38584\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":38594,"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/crop-and-soil-sciences\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38584\/revisions\/38594"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/crop-and-soil-sciences\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/38589"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/crop-and-soil-sciences\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=38584"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/crop-and-soil-sciences\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=38584"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/crop-and-soil-sciences\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=38584"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}