University of Tennessee launches AI farming initiative for youth

In Knoxville, Tennessee, a significant initiative is underway to cultivate the next generation of agricultural leaders through the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in farming practices. A team at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA), led by Hao Gan, has secured a four-year grant of $741,102 from the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. This funding is earmarked for a groundbreaking project entitled “Development of a Smart Agricultural Experiential Learning Program for Youth.”

The project aims to develop a hands-on curriculum that introduces young participants, aged 15-20, to various AI technologies including drones, ground robots, and computer vision systems. Commencing in 2025, the programme will recruit 10-12 participants each year for a four-week immersion experience focussed on smart agricultural techniques. Speaking about the initiative, Hao Gan remarked, “The ultimate goal of our team is to establish the Smart Agriculture Education Center at the University of Tennessee. We believe this curriculum also will improve the perception of working in agriculture, enhance the future workforce, and bring about the adoption of more smart agricultural technology to produce more food.”

This experiential programme will be developed in partnership with several notable organisations, including Tennessee 4-H Youth Development, UT AgResearch and Education Centers, and Rocket Drones, a Memphis-based entity that provides educational training on drones. The collaboration underscores a commitment to equip youth with relevant skills in today’s evolving agricultural landscape.

The team contributing to this project consists of Lori Duncan, assistant professor in the Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science; Hongping Zhang, clinical assistant professor in the UT Knoxville Department of Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management; and Lynne Middleton, Extension specialist for 4-H Youth Development. Middleton expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, “I am excited to recruit 4-H members from across the state who will participate in this annual four-week initiative to be held on the UT campus in Knoxville. The youth chosen will hone their skills in coding, drone-work, and robotics. They will walk away with new skills that support the smart ag industry, and hopefully, decide on their future career path.”

The UTIA encompasses various departments including the Herbert College of Agriculture and the UT College of Veterinary Medicine, with a mission dedicated to teaching, research, and outreach. By fostering education and practical experiences in advanced agricultural technologies, the Institute aims to influence future workforce trends in farming and ensure the industry’s growth in an increasingly automated world.

Source: Noah Wire Services