A group of students working with the nonprofit *From Farms to Incubators* is shedding light on an AI-powered irrigation system that could help farmers adapt to climate change—while also learning how to tell its story. The initiative, led by founder and chief content director Amy Wu, paired students with a cutting-edge agricultural technology project at the University of California’s Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Parlier. Their mission? To document the development of an AI-driven system designed to optimize water use in farming, then share that work with the public.
Wu, who has long focused on bridging the gap between agriculture and technology, designed the program to teach students not just about ag tech, but how to communicate its significance. Since last September, participants have honed skills in digital storytelling, science communication, and multimedia documentation. They also engaged with industry leaders through a guest speaker series, connecting with women and innovators shaping the future of agricultural technology.
The project took shape after Wu visited UC Merced and the Kearney center, where researchers are testing AI models to refine irrigation practices. Recognizing an opportunity, she structured a “menteeship” program where students could learn journalism and communications while immersing themselves in ag tech. The result was a package of stories, photos, and videos tailored to diverse audiences—from curious consumers to farmers searching for solutions to water scarcity.
Three students brought distinct perspectives to the project. Anvi Kudaraya, a computer science and engineering undergraduate at UC Merced, delved into the system’s architecture, analyzing sensor data and writing Python scripts to prepare datasets for machine learning. Beyond the technical work, she discovered the importance of framing technology within a larger narrative. “I learned how important it is to connect technology to a broader purpose,” Kudaraya said, noting that the project pushed her to step outside her comfort zone—whether revising articles for publication or capturing farm visits through photography. For her, the experience underscored that AI in agriculture isn’t just a technical challenge; it’s a human one, requiring clear communication and community engagement to drive adoption.
Savio Jabbo, another computer science and engineering major from UC Merced, echoed that sentiment. Seeing the real-world impact of the research firsthand was eye-opening, he said. “Usually the work that goes into these projects goes unnoticed. But when you see the impact that it has even on such a small scale, it feels like the whole world should know about it.” His observation touches on a broader issue in ag tech: even groundbreaking innovations struggle to gain traction if their benefits aren’t effectively communicated to farmers, policymakers, and the public.
For Wu, the pilot program exceeded expectations. “We went into this not knowing what to expect, but we wanted to expose young people to the possibilities of communicating food and farming,” she said. The initiative not only equipped students with new skills but also highlighted the role of storytelling in scaling agricultural innovations. As climate change intensifies pressure on water resources, technologies like AI-driven irrigation could play a critical role in sustainable farming—but only if their potential is clearly articulated.
The project’s blend of technical and communicative training reflects a growing recognition in ag tech: solving complex challenges requires more than engineering prowess. It demands the ability to translate data into compelling narratives, engage diverse stakeholders, and build trust in new systems. For the students involved, the experience offered a rare opportunity to see how their technical work fits into a larger conversation about the future of food. And for the broader agricultural community, their stories serve as a reminder that innovation doesn’t end with the algorithm—it begins with how we talk about it.