By Scout Nelson
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln is transforming precision agriculture through its strategic initiative, NFarms. Collaborating with producers and industry, NFarms aims to refine and expand precision ag capabilities, focusing on farm efficiency and environmental sustainability.
This initiative operates on 3,000 acres of the university’s Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center (ENREEC) near Mead.
NFarms will serve as a testing ground for new technologies and decision-making tools to assist farmers in efficient field management. This includes drone and sensor operations, cloud-based data storage, data analytics, nitrogen management, and agricultural robotics.
Joe Luck, a professor of biological systems engineering and associate director of ENREEC, emphasizes NFarms' role as a technology hub, providing real-world testing environments to demonstrate the impact of these technologies on farm operations.
In 2024, the university plans to commence construction of an NFarms facility, which will house these precision ag technologies, with completion expected by summer. The research conducted here mirrors real-world farm conditions, offering both irrigated and dryland field experiences.
NFarms offers private-sector opportunities for companies and entrepreneurs to test innovative agricultural methods, products, and services. The large scale of the research site makes it unique among university research facilities in the U.S., according to ENREEC director Doug Zalesky.
In addition to crops, the center includes the Klosterman Feedlot Innovation Center, contributing to a total research area of nearly 10,000 acres. This expansive scope allows for comprehensive research beneficial to Nebraska's agricultural producers.
Nate Thorson, NFarms' research manager, highlights efficiencies such as real-time data sharing for pesticide applications, which NFarms will facilitate through a high-speed wireless system. This approach eliminates inefficiencies and human-error risks in traditional processes.
Collaboration with the USDA Agricultural Research Service at the Nebraska Innovation Campus will further NFarms’ reach, especially in precision ag technologies. This partnership positions Lincoln as a potential national hub for agricultural data.
NFarms will leverage its connections with the university's On-Farm Research Network, Nebraska Extension, commodity associations, and private-sector companies, guided by an external advisory board. The board will ensure that NFarms' endeavors align with the real-world needs of producers and facilitate information sharing.
A significant focus for NFarms is software development aimed at data standardization and efficient cloud-based data storage. Thorson’s expertise in agricultural production and software design is crucial for bridging the current divide caused by varied software formats among ag equipment manufacturers.
NFarms’ comprehensive approach and expertise position it to play a crucial role in advancing precision agriculture, from data management to autonomous farm equipment operations, significantly impacting the future of farming.
Photo Credit - istock-ekkasit919
Categories: Nebraska, Sustainable Agriculture