From the plow to combine, from vacuum seeders to GPS and autosteer tractors, ag tech has always been integral to crop production. 

Following on the heels of precision agriculture, many are dubbing the use of automated weeders in specialty crops the “next agricultural revolution”.

Recent labor recruitment, retention and affordability issues are driving widespread adoption of these machines in California.  Colorado growers are facing similar issues and ag tech companies are interested in engaging with growers throughout Colorado.

Join in a first-ever event for Colorado, a demonstration of industry leading vegetable farm  automated weeders at the CSU Arkansas Valley Research Center (AVRC):

Where:  27901 Co Rd 21, Rocky Ford, CO 81067

When:  Friday, June 16, 2023 from 9:00 am – 1:30 pm

• • 9:00 am: intros
  • 9:30 am: demos and field chat
  • 11:30 pm: lunch 
  • 12:00 pm: panel discussion with ag tech company reps followed by networking
  • 1:30 pm: adjourn and continue networking

Lodging:  call the Hampton Inn, La Junta, CO at 719-384-4444 and ask for the “CSU Demo” room block at $129 per night for Thursday, June 15.  Book before June 9 when the block is released.

Assistance:  Colorado based commercial fruit and vegetable growers (defined as filing an IRS schedule F) traveling over 100 miles one way to the AVRC are eligible for travel cost reimbursement (mileage at $0.59/mile, lodging, airfare, rental car, and meals).  *Must declare intent in registration, affirm eligibility, and submit reimbursement form for CSU financial processing.

• •  >100 miles to AVRC are eligible for up to $250 in travel reimbursement 
  • >200 miles to AVRC are eligible for up to $500 in travel reimbursement
    

Registration:  $17.85 and includes lunch – click here

Research on effectiveness:  See this webinar recording featuring Dr. Steve Fennimore’s research from UC Davis conducted on California vegetable farms using this technology.

Want more ag robotics?  Check out FIRA USA in Salinas, CA Sept 19 – 21, 2023.  While you’re on that site, also see the Demo Day 2022 from last year’s event in Fresno and note we have three of the same companies coming to AVRC!  You will see the leaders in weeding automation.  And check out the Wester Growers’ 2022 Specialty Crop Automation Report, detailing the status of farm labor challenges and automation solutions

Questions we will explore with companies:  

1. How are these weeding automation solutions different from each other?
2. What are some adoption barriers you’ve seen?
3. How many acres per hour can you weed?
4. Are you selling a product or service?
5. How are lenders financing these?
6. What technical assistance/customer support do you provide?
7. How does it get fixed if it breaks?
8. What is the longevity of your company?
9. How is the user experience and user interface?
10. What are common challenges growers face using your technology? How have they overcome those?
11. What if I need to sell this equipment?
12. Your questions!

Contact:  Adrian Card, State Specialist, Produce, CSU Extension | 970-491-6968 | adrian.card@colostate.edu

This event is funded in part by a Specialty Crops Block Grant from
the Colorado Department of Agriculture