MISSISSIPPI STATE – Those interested in learning about new technology that can improve farm management and operations should plan on attending Mississippi State University Extension Service’s Precision Agriculture Workshop.

The free workshop will be held on March 11 at the Forrest County Extension Conference Center in Hattiesburg. The workshop starts at 8:30 a.m. and wraps up with a free lunch at 12:30 p.m.

“Precision agriculture is like an application, or an app, for a farm. Like apps, precision agriculture takes existing farms, and sometimes existing equipment, and increases their capabilities,” said Jason Ward, agriculture and bioengineering Extension associate. “Having the technology to monitor crop yields better, measure soil fertility and properly apply inputs will help improve farm operations. These capabilities can lower input costs, make yields more consistent and even improve quality of life.”

The presenters, from universities throughout the mid-South, will discuss topics including geospatial technologies, soil sampling strategies, nematode management and aerial variable rate application. After the presentations,  will answer questions from participants.

For more information, contact Ward at (662) 325-4148 or jward@abe.msstate.edu; or Mike Howell at (601) 765-8252 mshowell@ext.msstate.edu.

Writer: Karen Templeton