Virginia Tech will host Precision Agriculture Day on Oct. 12 at Kentland Farm in Blacksburg from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  

Participants will have the opportunity to get answers to common questions about the benefits of precision agriculture and learn how they can establish cost-effective technologies on their farms.

Precision agriculture is becoming increasingly utilized — and economical — in recent years as producers use technology, such as iPads, GPS, and variable rate equipment, to increase yields and inform management decisions.

Registration information for the event, which costs $10, can be found online. Kentland Farm is about eight minutes from the Virginia Tech campus at 5250 Whitethorne Road.

The following topics will discussed at the field day:

  • low-cost technologies that are available now and are practical for your operation;
  • technologies that work on smaller farms;
  • precision agriculture equipment for use on hilly terrain;
  • recommendations for producers who are just beginning to consider a technology investment; and
  • potential return on investment in precision technology.

Featured demonstrations and presentations will be provided by Hoober Inc., of Ashland, Virginia; James River Equipment, of Tappahannock, Virginia; Meade Tractor, of Christiansburg, Virginia; and Southern States Cooperative.

The Virginia Tech Department of Mechanical Engineering will also present a drone flying demonstration.

The event is sponsored by Virginia Tech’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Virginia Cooperative Extension. The organizers would like to extend a special thanks to Farm Credit of the Virginias for providing water and refreshments.

For more information, call the Pulaski County Extension Office at 540-980-7761 or email paulette@vt.edu.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation in order to attend the event, please contact Morgan Paulette at 540-980-7761 or paulette@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days  prior to the event.

Written by Amy Loeffler

Share this story