Farmers and others have learned extensively about robotics in agriculture, safe grain handling, NDSU plant diagnostic labs, farm stress, leadership and civic engagement, agribusiness, and the critical impact of loud noise in agriculture. You will have the opportunity to learn from the NDSU extension representatives. Iron Farm Show, West Fargo, September 13-15.

NDSU Extension representatives will be exhibiting in booths AL 10-AL 12 at the eastern end of the Hartl Ag building. In addition, extension agents and experts can answer questions about crop and livestock production, and other rural areas.

“This is an opportunity for people to stop by to see the displays, ask questions, provide information or just visit,” says Ken Hellevang, agricultural engineer at NDSU Extension. “Extension exhibits highlight current topics and allow Extension agents and experts to discuss current challenges.”

Agricultural engineering students demonstrate how robotics fits into production agriculture. For example, robots can navigate fields, identify weeds that are resistant to herbicides, and remove them. His students are robots that harvest cotton, and he came second in a recent national competition.

Farming is a noisy occupation that can cause permanent damage to your ears. Stop by the exhibit to learn more about different levels of noise in agriculture and actions to prevent hearing loss.

Farming is a stressful occupation, so another aspect of the exhibit will focus on resources that can help growers navigate the many challenges they face.

Faculty members from the Agribusiness Extension are also available for display.

Learn about the NDSU Plant Diagnostic Lab, which helps agricultural and horticultural laypeople and professionals identify plant pest and disease problems.

Leadership and civics specialists share resources to ensure organizations and meetings are efficient and productive. Learn about leadership programs such as Rural Leadership North Dakota, Lead Local and Community Impressions. Learn more about how you can become a leader in your community and opportunities to enhance your skills, then stop by and sign up for the giveaway.

NDSU’s Agriculture and Biosystems Engineering Department, east of the Hartl Building, will demonstrate WeedBot, a robot that uses precision technology to identify weeds and apply spot sprays. Additional precision farming technology demonstrations are planned.

Also on the east side of the Hartl Building, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering students will be exhibiting a 1/4 scale tractor. Students design and build tractors and compete against other teams around the country. In this year’s national competition, it won the manoeuvrability category. Students will also display several reconditioned tractors. Agricultural Systems Management students recalibrate their tractors each year as a student club activity.