NDSU Extension personnel will be on hand to answer growers’ questions during the Big Iron Farm Show in West Fargo, scheduled for Sept. 13-15.
NDSU Extension will have exhibits at the east end of the Hartl Ag Building in booths AL 10 - AL 12. In addition, Extension agents and specialists will be available to provide information about crop and livestock production and other rural topics.
“This is an opportunity for people to stop by to view the displays, ask questions, provide input or just visit,” said Ken Hellevang, NDSU Extension agricultural engineer. “The Extension exhibit will focus on current topics, with Extension agents and specialists available to discuss current challenges.”
NDSU agricultural engineering students will display how robotics may fit in production agriculture. The students won second place at a recent national competition with their robot that harvests cotton.
In addition, people are urged to stop by the exhibit to learn about the different levels of noise in agriculture and actions to prevent hearing loss. Another aspect of the exhibit will focus on resources available to help producers survive the many stressful challenges they face. Attendees can learn about the NDSU Plant Diagnostic Lab, which assists the general public and professionals in agriculture and horticulture to identify plant pests and disease problems.
Agribusiness Extension faculty also will have a display and be available to answer questions. And people can learn about leadership programs such as Rural Leadership North Dakota, Lead Local and Community Impressions.
East of the Hartl Building, the NDSU Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering will demonstrate WeedBot, a robot that uses precision technology to identify weeds and apply spot spraying. Additional precision agriculture technology demonstrations are planned.
Also, on the east side of the Hartl Building, students from agricultural and biosystems engineering will have their one-fourth scale tractor on display. Students design and build the tractor, then compete against other teams from across the country. They won the maneuverability category during the national competition this year.
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