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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 many parts of the US and globally.  Colorado growers are facing similar issues and ag tech companies are interested in engaging with growers throughout Colorado.

Join in this 4th annual event for Colorado, a demonstration of industry leading vegetable farm  automated weeders at the CSU ARDEC:

Rain or Shine: if too muddy we’ll have more intensive parking lot discussion/show and tell and meeting room presentations (videos + slides) with panel discussion and an early lunch.

Where:  4616 NE Frontage Rd, Fort Collins, CO 80524-9369

When:  Thursday, May 21 from 8:00 am – 1:00 pm

• • 8:00 am: snacks and coffee
  • 8:15 am: Welcome and intros
  • 8:30:  demos and field chat
  • 11:30 pm: lunch 
  • 12:00 pm: Business quick pitch and panel discussion/Q and A
  • 1:00 pm: adjourn and continue networking

Lodging:  please use our block of rooms at the Hilton at 425 West Prospect Road, Fort Collins, CO Ft. Collins at $142/night + tax.  This is 10 miles from the ARDEC demo site and proximal to many amenities.  Click here to book online.

Registration Required:  $5 with coffee and lunch included.  Click Here

Sponsorships:  In the absence of sufficient grant dollars this year, we invite sponsors to help us underwrite the cost of food and beverage expenses.  Logos will appear at the top of this page.

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 Yakima, WA October 2026.  Our Colorado event is modeled after FIRA USA demos with our partners at Western Growers.  And check out the Western Growers’ 2023 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 Produce Specialist, 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 AgricultureWa