Meeting Pattern

• June 13: Cultivate Conference - Fargo, location to be decided (8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)
• June 14: Bus Tour (Fargo/Casselton/West Fargo/Fargo) 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

         (see topical outline/agenda below)

Description

To connect teachers (Middle and High School educators - Agriculture, STEM, Career Counselors, Administrators or any interested educator) with advanced technologies; professionals representing different careers in Agriculture, Science and Technology, and; resources available in our region, that target some of the identified pain points. 

• Lack of awareness and interest: Many students (and parents/teachers) are not aware of the opportunities available in AgTech, and do not have a strong interest in the field.
• Limited exposure: Many students do not have access to hands-on experience in agriculture or AgTech, which limits their ability to learn about the field and develop important skills.
• Outdated curriculum: Some agriculture education programs use outdated curricula that do not reflect current industry practices, technologies, and challenges. Teachers may lack the expertise to update their curriculum in these areas on their own.
• Lack of resources: Some agriculture or technology education programs may lack the resources needed to provide students with the hands-on experience and equipment needed to learn about the field. Some schools do not have agricultural education at all so delivery of programs is non-existent.
• Limited diversity and inclusivity: Some agriculture education programs may not prioritize diversity and inclusivity, which can limit the participation of certain groups of students, such as women and minorities. Teachers lack the skills and knowledge to know how to reach diverse audiences/include diverse students in their programs. 

Syllabus, Objectives, and Outcomes

Objectives:

Educators will learn about new careers in the field of Agriculture and Technology.

o   Precision Agriculture: Techniques and technologies for optimizing crop yield, reducing waste, and enhancing resource efficiency through data-driven decision-making.

o   loT and Sensor Technologies: The integration of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and sensors in agriculture for real-time monitoring of crops, soil conditions, and equipment performance.

o   Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Applications of AI and machine learning algorithms in agriculture for predictive analytics, pest detection, yield forecasting, and crop management.

o   Remote Sensing and Imaging: Utilizing satellite imagery, drones, and other remote sensing technologies for crop monitoring, disease detection, and precision mapping.

o   Sustainable Agriculture Practices: Strategies and technologies for promoting environmental sustainability, including soil health management, water conservation, and organic farming methods.

o   Agritech Startups and Entrepreneurship: Showcasing emerging startups and entrepreneurial ventures in the agtech space, including their innovative products, business models, and impact on the industry.

o   Data Management and Analytics: Solutions for collecting, storing, analyzing, and visualizing agricultural data to extract actionable insights and improve decision-making processes.

o   Grower Feedback and Collaboration: Platforms and strategies for gathering feedback from growers, fostering collaboration between industry stakeholders, and co-creating solutions that address real-world challenges faced by farmers.

Outcomes:

• Get connected with resources who can provide assistance for any future collaborations.
• Get educated about advanced technologies in the fields of – Business/Product Development, Biotechnology, Indoor Agriculture, Precision Agriculture and Cybersecurity.
• Learn about solving problems via technology.
• Explore opportunities by learning about challenges in agriculture that are addressed to educators, researchers, startups, corporations and policymakers.
• Get connected with Grand Farm’s ecosystem (educators/researchers, corporations, startups, policymakers, investors, non-profit organizations) and engage in speaking opportunities at Grand Farm events or other collaborations.
• Educators will learn about educational events hosted by Grand Farm and other partnering organizations where educators can get their students involved in participating (e.g. Space Ag conference, Cultivate conference and Autonomous Nation conference- hosted by Grand Farm annually.)

Required Student Resources:

• Computer to submit reflections.

Topical_Outline_Agenda_EduConnect_2024_Gr_6-12.pdf

Testimonials:

"GREAT TOPICS AND CONNECTION TO EDUCATION."

"BEING ABLE TO ATTEND THE CULTIVATE CONFERENCE WITH THE BREAKOUT SESSION(S) THAT WERE FOCUSED ON EDUCATION."

"GOOD VARIETY OF PRESENTERS! VERY WELL DONE."

"THE GROUP PANEL WAS VERY INFORMATIVE ON WHAT PROFESSIONALS THINK TEACHERS NEED TO PROVIDE."

"THIS COURSE IS AN EXCELLENT AVENUE FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL AND HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATORS TO UNDERSTAND THE CHANGING CAREER FIELDS. EXPOSING STUDENTS TO FUTURE CAREER CHOICES IN AGTECH IS A WIN-WIN SITUATION."

"THANK YOU FOR PUTTING THIS ON! MY EXPERIENCES LIKE THIS AND THE THINGS I LEARN FREQUENTLY DEVELOP INTO STORIES I CAN SHARE WITH MY STUDENTS!"