Agricultural & Biological Engineering
Purdue’s Institute for Digital and Advanced Agricultural Systems to cultivate innovation at upcoming panel and networking event
Purdue University’s IDAAS hub leverages automation, data management and UAVs for remote sensing, offering cutting-edge technologies that drive innovation across multiple sectors of the agricultural value chain. WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue University’s Institute for Digital and Advanced Agricultural Systems (IDAAS) is at the forefront of integrating data-driven technologies into agriculture, serving as a platform for groundbreaking innovation. By connecting the brightest minds in academia and industry, IDAAS underscores Purdue’s commitment to shaping the future of agricultural systems. To celebrate this mission, the institute will host a panel discussion and networking event Dec. 11 in Purdue’s Stewart Center titled “Advancing the Digital Technology Revolution for Agriculture.”
Purdue has long been a leader in the digital agriculture space and continues to see growth. “The institute connects disparate efforts across the university and beyond to accelerate impactful work across land-grant mission areas,” said Dennis Buckmaster, professor in the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering and Dean’s Fellow for Digital Agriculture. “As a leading land-grant university in agriculture, science and engineering, Purdue has the privilege to tackle the grand challenges facing agriculture.”
Buckmaster further emphasized the growing role of data and models in agriculture.
Whether the goal is to improve sustainability, resilience, traceability, profitability or other aspects of agriculture, the importance of data and models will continue to grow. These advancements support more autonomous operations that can improve decisions and conditions for humans and livestock, as well as decrease stress on operators. Whether we analyze data or use artificial intelligence models to make decisions, good data is needed and must be FAIR — findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable.” — Dennis Buckmaster
In support of these advancements, IDAAS has been developing new courses for digital agriculture minors and concentrations. “It’s clear that progress in agriculture requires expertise in areas like coding, sensors and data architecture,” explained Buckmaster. “Workforce development — whether targeting undergraduate, graduate or practitioners through Extension or online programs — is a real need. As the pace of change accelerates, we need a workforce that is prepared to adapt and continue learning.”
This upcoming event will spotlight the transformative impact of digital technologies in agriculture, emphasizing the importance of research, innovation, workforce development and technology adoption throughout the agricultural value chain. Attendees can explore cutting-edge solutions; connect with industry leaders and Purdue faculty, staff and graduate students; and learn how digital advancements are transforming agricultural practices.
From 1:45-3 p.m. EST in Stewart Center, Room 214, industry leaders will participate in a panel discussion exploring trends and emerging technologies. Closing remarks will be delivered by Bernie Engel, the Glenn W. Sample Dean of Agriculture. The panelists are:
- Ben Sheldon, CNH Industrial aftermarket sales manager at Raven Industries
- Matthew Dimmic, director of science modeling at Climate LLC, Bayer Crop Science
- Mike Koevering, senior director of knowledge solutions — global innovation and analytics at Elanco
- Autumn Freeman, food safety manager at Melon Acres
- Chad Fiechter, assistant professor of agricultural economics at Purdue University (moderator)
A networking event and poster session will follow from 3:15-5 p.m. in the same room, providing additional opportunities for connection and collaboration.
Non-Purdue employees will receive a parking pass voucher for the Grant Street Parking Garage upon check-in. Parking validation for the event is available as well. Specific parking details are available on IDAAS’ website.
To attend, please register by Dec. 5.
About Purdue Agriculture
Purdue University’s College of Agriculture is one of the world’s leading colleges of agricultural, food, life and natural resource sciences. The college is committed to preparing students to make a difference in whatever careers they pursue; stretching the frontiers of science to discover solutions to some of our most pressing global, regional and local challenges; and, through Purdue Extension and other engagement programs, educating the people of Indiana, the nation and the world to improve their lives and livelihoods. To learn more about Purdue Agriculture, visit this site.
About Purdue University
Purdue University is a public research institution demonstrating excellence at scale. Ranked among top 10 public universities and with two colleges in the top four in the United States, Purdue discovers and disseminates knowledge with a quality and at a scale second to none. More than 105,000 students study at Purdue across modalities and locations, including nearly 50,000 in person on the West Lafayette campus. Committed to affordability and accessibility, Purdue’s main campus has frozen tuition 13 years in a row. See how Purdue never stops in the persistent pursuit of the next giant leap — including its first comprehensive urban campus in Indianapolis, the Mitch Daniels School of Business, Purdue Computes and the One Health initiative — at https://www.purdue.edu/president/strategic-initiatives.
Media contact: Devyn Ashlea Raver, draver@purdue.edu
Sources: Melinda Smith, smit2732@purdue.edu
Agricultural Communications: Maureen Manier, mmanier@purdue.edu, 765-494-8415
