June 10, 2025
The University of Minnesota Precision Agriculture Center (PAC) celebrated its 30th anniversary by hosting the 2025 Minnesota Conference on Precision Agriculture (MCPA) on June 5, 2025. This landmark event brought together more than 300 farmers, researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers at the North Star Ballroom in St. Paul to explore cutting edge advancements in agricultural technology and showcase PAC's leadership as the world's first precision agriculture center.
Morning Sessions: Foundations and Future Technologies
The conference began with registration and breakfast at 7:45 AM, followed by an opening welcome from David Mulla, Larson Endowed Chair of Soil, Water and Climate at the University of Minnesota. Associate Dean Joleen Hadrich and Department Head Brent Williams delivered welcoming addresses, setting the stage for a day of innovation.
David Mulla then presented "Precision Ag Center: 1995 2025," reflecting on three decades of groundbreaking work. Dean Fairchild, former World Agronomist, offered an early developer's perspective on the center's formation and impact.
The keynote address by Raj Khosla, Agronomy Department Head at Kansas State University, explored "The Role of AI in Revolutionizing Precision Agriculture," drawing connections between emerging technologies and practical field applications. Following a networking break, David Mulla returned to discuss AI applications for precision agriculture research, while PAC Associate Director Ce Yang presented on AI robots and remote sensing for precision agriculture and phenotyping.
Dimitri's Zermas, Director of Machine Learning at Sentera, closed the morning sessions with advances in precision weed management in Minnesota. A panel discussion moderated by Ce Yang featuring industry and academic leaders examined AI, robotics, and their practical applications in modern farming.
Afternoon Sessions: Applied Innovations
After a group photo and lunch break, attendees explored poster sessions and exhibits, including a showcase by platinum sponsor Maverick. The company displayed their advanced drone fleet, featuring large capacity spray drones capable of both dry and wet applications alongside smaller precision models, all integrated with Agremo software for sophisticated field analytics.
Technical sessions resumed with Yuxin Miao, Precision Ag Center Director, presenting advances in precision nitrogen management. PAC Associate Director Vasu Sharma followed with data showing a 42% increase in irrigated acres in Minnesota since 2002, highlighting precision irrigation's growing importance.
Marcia Endres, Professor in Animal Science, provided an overview of precision dairy farm management in the U.S., demonstrating how wearable devices and computer vision systems monitor cow health. Bryan Runck, GeoCommons Associate Director, discussed decision support tools for precision crop management.
The final panel addressed on farm applications and adoption challenges, featuring perspectives from Midwest producers and researchers. Closing remarks reflected on PAC's legacy and future directions in sustainable agriculture.
Research Excellence and Industry Collaboration
The conference spotlighted PAC's leadership through multiple award winning presentations. Renzo Negrini received Best Poster honors for his work on precision sulfur management in corn, while a graduate student earned first place for research on variable rate nitrogen and water management in potatoes. Biola Adeyemi presented innovative machine learning approaches to determine site specific optimum seeding rates.
Industry participation was particularly strong, with platinum sponsor Maverick demonstrating their drone technologies alongside companies like EarthScout and Sentera. These collaborations underscored the vital connection between academic research and commercial implementation.
Looking Forward
As the conference concluded, speakers and attendees alike emphasized PAC's ongoing commitment to developing practical, sustainable solutions for modern agriculture. The event not only celebrated 30 years of achievement but also set the stage for future innovations that will continue transforming farming practices worldwide.
The Precision Agriculture Center extends sincere gratitude to all participants and sponsors, especially platinum sponsor Maverick, as well as the Minnesota Corn Growers Association, USDA NIFA and NRCS, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, AFREC, and the many farmers and collaborators who make this work possible.
Spotlight on Research Excellence
PAC researchers shone brightly:
Renzo Negrini won Best Poster for his work on precision sulfur management in corn, calling it “just the beginning” of his on-farm research journey.
Seiya Wakahara took 1st place in the poster competition for variable-rate nitrogen/water management in potatoes, crediting mentors Drs. David Mulla and Yuxin Miao.
Biola Adeyemi presented machine learning tools to predict optimal seeding rates, bridging the gap between research and farmer profitability.
Collaboration in Action
Attendees praised the conference’s blend of academia and industry, including panels with Sentera, EarthScout, and Maverick Technologies. A dairy farming session by Dr. Marcia Endres demonstrated how wearable sensors and AI improve livestock health—proving precision ag’s reach beyond row crops.
The Road Ahead
Closing remarks underscored PAC’s commitment to sustainable, farmer-driven innovation. As Dr. Mulla noted, “The future isn’t just about technology—it’s about the partnerships we build to deploy it.” With allies like Maverick and a new generation of researchers, PAC is poised to lead agriculture’s next 30 years.
Gratitude to our partners:
Maverick
Minnesota Corn Growers
USDA-NIFA/NRCS
Minnesota Department of Agriculture
AFREC
The farmers and collaborators who make our work possible.
