We were honored recently to attend the 2015 Wyoming Global Tech Summit hosted by Governor Matt Mead. The experience was full of amazing information, incredible innovation, and brilliant, solution-oriented minds.
The group of participants during the 2015 Wyoming Global Tech Summit in Jackson, Wyo. mid September. This was the agriculture technology break out session. Photo Courtesy of Governor Matt Mead’s Office.
The Summit was hosted in Jackson, Wyo. and leaders and decision makers from across Wyoming and beyond gathered to discuss strides made in health care, agriculture, energy, and more. In his opening remarks, and throughout the event, Governor Mead emphasized his vision for Wyoming as a global technology leader. Not only is he interested in our major industries incorporating up-to-date technology, but he is pushing for technology to become an industry in and of itself in Wyoming.
During the agriculture panel, we heard from Agricultural Retailers Association President Daren Coppock (podium), John Deere Director of On-Board Applications Ronald Zink (middle), and Simplot SmartFarm Technology Director Allan Fetters (right).
Tyler and I were invited as farmers who are successful at adapting technology in our operation. We were incredibly honored to attend and were amazed at what we experienced. We heard from brilliant minds working on remarkable solutions to real-world problems. We networked with interesting and genuine people. We found it humbling and encouraging meeting people outside of agriculture who were interested in our farm. And we were energized by positive, solution-seeking attitudes.
Wyoming Department of Agriculture Director Doug Miyamoto addresses the agriculture technology break out session.
Even though they are outside of our expertise, we found the discussions on health care and energy fascinating. Overall, we found the discussions full of similarities among all industries. We all face a fast-growing array of technologies and innovative processes. Likewise, we all are trying to adapt while weighing costs, addressing implementation challenges, and convincing stakeholders to adjust. No matter the challenges, though, there are incredible minds working on solutions to every problem!
Mike Griffen with Simplot Grower Solutions discusses the use of mapping to improve farm yields and to use inputs more effectively.
Tyler and I were very pleased at the emphasis placed on agriculture at the Summit. Technology is the key to sustaining farms and ranches and feeding the 9 billion people our world is estimated to hold by 2050. Some of the key ag technologies featured included:
John Deere’s Ronald Zink displays a John Deere 8245 R with GPS capability.
Simplot’s “EM sled”. This sled attaches to an ATV/UTV and the equipment sends electromagnetic pulses into the soil to produce maps, including soil type, elevation, and landscape. These maps are useful in variable rate application and seeding technology, where the user builds zones in their fields and applications are adjusted to meet specific conditions.
Simplot’s Allan Fetters displays an unmanned aerial vehicle or drone used in crop analysis.
Mike discusses this soil moisture probe, which can be used to evaluate water usage and help producers apply variable rate irrigation.
Maps created from satellite imaging which capture photosynthesis. This can indicate crop progress and yield potential.
These technologies allow producers opportunity for higher yields, increased profitability, and better environmental stewardship. Farmers are able to implement conservation practices for better soil health and reduced erosion. Water, fertilizer, chemical, and fuel are used more efficiently with fewer passes over the field and variable rate applications.
The Mead Family Ranch in Jackson, Wyo. The Mead Family hosted the 2015 Wyoming Global Tech Summit guests for a dinner with incomparable views.
The 2015 Wyoming Global Tech Summit was a fantastic opportunity to network with innovative leaders, learn about exciting advancements in important industries, and to advocate for our industry as representatives of modern farming.
Tyler and I with Governor Matt Mead (center). We were honored to be recognized by the Governor as successful adapters of technology on our farm.
God Bless You & American Agriculture,
Liz
…We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better. – Colossians 1:9-10 (NLT)
The Farm Paparazzi 