Smarter farming takes root at MN Conference on Precision Agriculture
June 10, 2025
The 2025 MN Conference on Precision Agriculture, hosted by the University of Minnesota’s College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS), brought together experts, researchers, and producers to explore how technology is transforming agriculture across Minnesota and beyond.
The event was organized in collaboration with the University’s Precision Agriculture Center, a hub for research and innovation that has been advancing data-driven farming practices for three decades. The Center’s work was highlighted throughout the day, showcasing its leadership in applying artificial intelligence, robotics, and remote sensing to real-world agricultural challenges.
The morning sessions reflected on the evolution of precision agriculture and explored how AI is shaping the future of farming. Presentations covered a range of topics including soil and water management, crop phenotyping, and weed detection. A panel discussion brought together voices from academia and industry to examine how these technologies are being adopted on the ground.
In the afternoon, the focus shifted to applied innovations. Topics included precision nitrogen management, irrigation strategies, and livestock monitoring. Vasudha Sharma, an associate director at the Precision Agriculture Center, presented on advances in precision irrigation, noting that 15,460 acres in Minnesota are currently using precision irrigation agriculture practices and there has been a 42 percent increase in irrigated acres in the state from 2002 to 2022 (USDA Census). Her talk emphasized the importance of reducing inputs like water and fertilizer while increasing yield, improving crop quality, and enhancing overall system efficiency.
Marcia Endres, a professor in the Department of Animal Science, shared insights from her work in precision dairy farming, where data collected from Midwest farms is used to monitor individual cows within large herds. She described how wearable devices can track rumination and how computer vision systems detect signs of lameness — tools that help improve animal health and farm productivity.
The conference also featured sessions on decision support tools for crop management and a panel discussion on on-farm adoption and research needs in Minnesota. Attendees had opportunities to network, explore poster presentations, and engage with technology exhibits throughout the day.
The event underscored the growing impact of the Precision Agriculture Center and its partners in shaping a more sustainable, efficient, and resilient agricultural system. With continued innovation and collaboration, precision agriculture is helping producers meet today’s challenges while preparing for tomorrow’s opportunities.
