Digging into the Future at AFA Precision Agriculture Institute
Five Department of Agricultural Economics students traveled to the Ag Future of America (AFA) Precision Agriculture Institute March 2-4, 2025, in Denver, CO. During the three-day conference, the students were able to attend the Commodity Classic, participate in roundtable discussions with AFA partners and industry leaders and network with peers from across the country!
Junior Casey Voll (Agribusiness; Lafayette, IN) stated, “I specifically chose the Precision Agriculture Institute to learn more about the advancements in equipment and technology that are being developed with the intent of increasing efficiency in agriculture. I also learned about the systems-thinking mindset that industry leaders exercise when making strategic decisions. Industry leaders taught us what thought process they use when determining how to grow their company and what sector of the business they should focus that growth on.”
Sophomore Kylie Saathoff (Agribusiness; Manteno, IL) shared, “One of my favorite sessions was the Commodity Classic Booth Tours, where I had the chance to talk with representatives from FMC, National Corn, Syngenta and Corteva. It was a great opportunity to interact with these companies and ask questions. The second session I enjoyed was the executive panel, where industry leaders from various sectors discussed how precision agriculture impacts their businesses and shared their visions for its future. Lastly, I really appreciated the AgExperience session, where we worked in teams to develop solutions for problems faced by Colorado farmers. We were able to collaborate with the farmers directly and apply everything we’d learned throughout the conference to create real-world solutions.”
Junior Nathan Thompson (Agribusiness; Francesville, IN) added, “I loved the AFA Precision Ag Institute for the opportunity to have deep, meaningful conversations about future technology, and to see what is coming down the technology pipeline for agriculture. I was able to make great connections with both students and industry professionals.”
Not being raised in production agriculture, Sophomore Madison Clary (Agricultural Economics; Westfield, IN) was most excited to “see tractors and combines and learn about the precision ag side of the industry. I have always liked technology, but wanted to see how that applied to ag and explore potential career opportunities.” Madison saw her first combine at the Commodity Classic and loved connecting over a few shared Purdue experiences with one of the Purdue alums at a company booth!
Junior Madisen Carns (Sales and Marketing; West Lafayette, IN) summarized her AFA experience after three Leaders Conferences and six Institutes, “I have learned so much from AFA because I am able to immerse myself in all aspects of the industry. Because I have not grown up with an ag background, AFA really exposed me to all the many ways agriculture is involved in the world. I have built a network of industry professionals and mentors through these experiences, who really support me. I have also been able to connect with professionals to build relationships for internships! I also could not forget how many friends I have made through these experiences and how close we all are now.”