The Digital Agriculture Research and Extension Center at Mizzou will elevate research, education, and outreach in the realm of emerging digital technologies for agriculture.
The University of Missouri, the state’s primary land-grant institution, has introduced the Digital Agriculture Research and Extension Center (DAREC) in response to the significance of agriculture, which constitutes nearly one-third of Missouri’s economy. With a focus on sustainable agriculture, the center aims to harness emerging digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance agricultural productivity, sustainability, and profitability for farmers and producers.
Shibu Jose, associate dean for research at the MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR), emphasized the evolving skills required by today’s farmers and the need to train the next generation to adapt and utilize current and future technologies. The partnership between CAFNR, MU Extension, and the USDA Agricultural Research Service establishes the center to explore key areas in agriculture, including crop production, soil health, precision livestock farming, and engineering innovations through research, student involvement, and collaboration with industry partners and agencies.
Jianfeng Zhou, one of the center’s co-directors, highlighted the goal of investigating next-generation technology for teaching and research purposes, focusing on tools designed to improve agricultural efficiency.
A key component of the center is the MU Digital Farm, a field demonstration site located at MU’s South Farm and part of the Central Missouri Research, Extension, and Education Center. Zhou explained that showcasing new digital technologies at the digital farm will document their benefits, allowing farmers and stakeholders to understand and adopt these tools. Recognizing the time required for technology adoption, the center is committed to proactive education and outreach efforts to build trust and confidence among farmers and stakeholders.
The collaboration between the Digital Agriculture Research and Extension Center and MU Extension specialists aims to put new digital agriculture technologies into the hands of Missouri farmers. Rob Kallenbach, associate dean of extension at CAFNR, highlighted the long-term benefits expected from the information, demonstrations, trainings, and research conducted by the center.Co-directors Kent Shannon and Ken Sudduth, along with Jianfeng Zhou, will lead this initiative, planning a symposium for the upcoming spring.
