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Jan. 29, 2025
Source: University of Illinois news release URBANA, Ill. -- Yesterday, U.S. Representative Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) and the ITI Institute joined top researchers and policymakers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to see how AI is reshaping agriculture to address key challenges in food security, sustainability, and workforce development. Attendees also saw live demonstrations of autonomous farming technologies and AI-driven agricultural innovations presented by the Center for Digital Agriculture (CDA) and the Artificial Intelligence for Future Agricultural Resilience, Management, and Sustainability (AIFARMS) Institute. "AI tools hold so much potential for our growers and producers," said Congresswoman Budzinski. "In my role on the House Agriculture Committee, I have been a champion for more federal investments in agriculture research, so it was great to see some of the new technologies developed at the CDA and AIFARMS in action. From lowering costs to improving sustainability, these innovations are a new frontier in solving the challenges farmers face in my district and across the country. AI and digital innovations are transforming agriculture. The tools developed by the University of Illinois, including the Autonomous Cover Crop Robot and the Horseradish Weeding Robot, are helping farmers boost efficiency, lower costs, and enhance sustainability. These innovations underscore the pivotal role technology plays in strengthening agriculture and addressing both current and future challenges. Attendees also discovered how research is being seamlessly integrated into everyday farming practices, such as the CropWizard-- a generative AI platform offering real-time support to farmers-- and the Livestock Monitoring System, which helps ranchers manage large herds more effectively. "Technology is revolutionizing food production," said Ashley Berrang, Executive Director of the ITI Institute. "From autonomous robots to livestock monitoring, these groundbreaking technologies are shaping the future of farming. AI-driven innovations like those at the University of Illinois Center for Digital Agriculture are leading the way, making farming more cost-effective and efficient across the country." A key focus of the discussion was the need for collaboration among policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders to tackle the most pressing agricultural challenges. "The University of Illinois is at the forefront of interdisciplinary research, especially in the digital agriculture space. We are building collaborative partnerships across campus and beyond, with leading companies in agriculture and computing. But we will need everyone working in the same direction to truly reform agriculture and take advantage of the technological advances we're innovating every day," said John Reid, Executive Director of the Center for Digital Agriculture, part of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) and The Grainger College of Engineering, and the National Center for Supercomputing Applications at Illinois. The event highlighted the collaboration between AIFARMS and the Jackie Joyner-Kersee FAN Innovation Center as a prime example of how workforce development programs are preparing the next generation of technology and agriculture professionals to tackle critical challenges with confidence and creativity. About the ITI Institute The ITI Institute is an independent nonprofit committed to informing and educating the public how tools like artificial intelligence are making our country stronger. Our mission is to inform Americans about how technology grows sectors across healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, and more, to meet present and future challenges. Through nationwide events, digital learning programs, and engagement with policymakers, we empower people to see technology as an accessible and integral part of daily life. Find more at www.institute.tech About the Center for Digital Agriculture The Center for Digital Agriculture at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a multidisciplinary effort between the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, The Grainger College of Engineering, and the National Center for Supercomputing Applications that leverage Illinois' historic land-grant pillars of agriculture and engineering to shape the future of the agriculture industry. The center brings together researchers, educators, industries, and agricultural producers to innovate technology to transform how we feed and support a growing global population. About AIFARMS The broad mission of the Artificial Intelligence for Future Agricultural Resilience, Management, and Sustainability (AIFARMS) National AI Institute for Agriculture is to develop foundational advances in AI and apply them to ensure that future agriculture is environmentally friendly, sustainable, affordable, and accessible to diverse farming communities. With funding from USDA-NIFA and NSF, AIFARMS is primarily hosted by the Center for Digital Agriculture and the National Center for Supercomputing Applications at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. About the College of ACES The College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign stands at the forefront of innovation and impact through cutting-edge research, transformative education, and collaborative outreach. Home to Illinois Extension, including 4-H, we are catalysts for economic and community development in Illinois and beyond. Our top-ranked academic programs, designed to foster global leadership and scholarly excellence, empower the next generation of leaders to shape a more sustainable and equitable future. Together, we champion robust food systems, nurture thriving families and communities, and steward a healthy planet. Tweet |
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