ARS | Publication request: EDUCATIONAL NEEDS IN PRECISION AGRICULTURE

Submitted to: Agronomy Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: October 7, 1999
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: In little more than a decade, precision agriculture has emerged from a mere concept to production-scale, multiple-task operations. Although adoption was initially rapid, it is not clearly understood how the full power of precision agriculture can be maximized, and thus the true value determined. Early adopters were mostly self-taught with an aptitude for electronic based information and decision making. Adoption patterns have evolved as the general user profile has changed and analysis demands have increased. We propose that adoption will continue but will be best sustained only as the barriers to adoption are correctly identified and educational needs developed through industry-public collaboration. This paper will present precision agriculture needs fundamental to adult education programming for producers, ag-service providers, and field consultants. Successes and failures of various educational methods will be reviewed.