1. Precision Agriculture and the Land Grant University
Roger Brook and Tim Harrigan
Agricultural Engineering Department
Michigan State University
Presentation at Michigan Agri-Business Association
66th Annual Winter Conference and Trade Show
January 12, 1999
11/8/2018

2. What is Precision Agriculture?
“Doing the right thing, in the right place at the right time” ... for enhancing profitability and reducing environmental impact.
Dr. Fran Pierce
Crop & Soil Sciences Department
Michigan State University.
11/8/2018

3. The Continuum of Knowledge and the Research Process
Disciplinary Knowledge
biological and physical sciences
Subject Matter Knowledge
implications of basic knowledge
technology development; human capital
Problem Solving Knowledge
adaptive and demonstration research
A Century of Science in Agriculture: Lessons for Science Policy. J.T. Bonnen.
Amer. J. of Agric. Economics 68(5)
11/8/2018

4. Land Grant Institutions: The Three-Legged Stool
On-Campus Education:
15 colleges; CANR home to 14 academic dept.
MAES:
subject matter knowledge;
300 scientists; 5 colleges, 15 field stations
MSUE:
problem solving knowledge;
application of research to help specific people
solve specific problems
11/8/2018

5. Today’s Situation: As a Research Institution
GOAL: Develop guidelines to maximize profitability and minimize environmental impact of production activities that utilize site-specific management principles and technologies
Growing List of Active Investigators
Multi-disciplinary Research Teams
corn & soybean; soybean cyst nematode;
potato; alfalfa
11/8/2018

6. Today’s Situation: As an Extension Institution
Area of Expertise Teams: knowledge generation and delivery, recognizing that knowledge needed to address critical issues and to capitalize on opportunities is more complex and specialized
Precision Agriculture Training
GPS Basics Training (July 1998)
MIMC (More Information – More Control)
Exploring Aspects of Precision Agriculture
Precision Farming-Assessing Soil Variability
11/8/2018

7. Today’s Situation: Teaching Opportunities
Data Collection
sensors & instrumentation; VRT technology;
computers and controllers; GPS technology;
remote sensing
Data Management
software; databases; GIS; data analysis
Decision Making
application of agronomic & economic information;
feedback to controllers and VRT
11/8/2018

8. On-Campus Education: Available Options
Courses and degrees exist for disciplinary knowledge
agronomy, entomology, plant pathology
Specific problem-solving knowledge for precision agriculture
GIS; remote sensing
Potential for precision agriculture as a specialization option for any degree
11/8/2018

9. Biosystems Technology Management
Prepare graduates with
strong technical background
tempered by broad view of business and economics
To apply knowledge of
science. agriculture and natural resources
technology and management
To problem solving in systems of
engineering and technology
agriculture and natural resources
11/8/2018

10. Precision Agriculture and the Land Grant University
MSU, a Land Grant Institution, contributes
basic knowledge
subject matter knowledge
problem solving knowledge
Precision agriculture has a place in many degree programs
Biosystems Technology Management
emphasis on computers, controls, sensors,
machinery systems and spatial analysis
11/8/2018