The 2nd annual Precision Agriculture Technology Conference, hosted by the University of Maryland Extension (UME) Agriculture and Food Systems program, is set to take place on February 26, 2026, at the Crowne Plaza in Annapolis. This year’s event promises to be a significant gathering for professionals in the agriculture industry, with a focus on the latest advancements in precision agriculture technology.
The keynote speaker for the conference is Dr. John Fulton, a professor in the Food, Agriculture, and Biological Engineering department at The Ohio State University. Fulton, who is also the former president of the International Society of Precision Agriculture, has been instrumental in integrating technologies into the agriculture industry. His recent exploration of the use of A.I. to enhance productivity and streamline the food supply chain is particularly noteworthy. Fulton will be speaking on the topic of scouting and field assessment, providing valuable insights into how technology can be used to improve these critical aspects of agriculture.
Other distinguished speakers at the conference include Dr. Xin (Rex) Sun, the inaugural endowed chair and Director of the Peltier Institute for the Advancement of Agricultural Technology at North Dakota State University. Sun will be speaking on “AI, Remote Sensing, and Robotics for Site-Specific Weed Control Application,” a topic that is becoming increasingly important as the agriculture industry seeks to reduce its environmental impact.
Dr. Stephanie Lansing, a professor at the University of Maryland College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, will also be speaking at the conference. Lansing’s innovative solutions in livestock and poultry waste technologies are set to provide valuable insights into how technology can be used to address some of the most pressing challenges facing the agriculture industry today.
Dr. Christine Chang, a research plant physiologist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Agriculture Research Service, will be speaking on crop production in her topic “Crop Stress Monitoring Systems for Row Crops, Greenhouse, and Controlled Environment Agriculture.” Chang’s work in this area is set to provide valuable insights into how technology can be used to improve crop yields and reduce waste.
The conference is organized by Dr. Hemendra Kumar, the principal investigator and Precision Agriculture Specialist at the UME Precision Agriculture Lab. Kumar, who specializes in precision irrigation management, remote sensing, and artificial intelligence for sustainable crop production, is set to speak on “Smart Ag-Tech for Water Management in the Mid-Atlantic.” Kumar’s work in this area is set to provide valuable insights into how technology can be used to address the growing challenge of water scarcity in the agriculture industry.
The early bird deadline for conference registration is $85 and ends January 25. After Jan. 25, registration is $120. Registration includes both breakfast and lunch. Participants are also eligible to receive credits for Maryland and Delaware pesticide, nutrient management, and certified crop advisor.
The conference is open to the public, and reasonable accommodations are available upon request. University programs, activities, and facilities are available to all without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, religion, protected veteran status, genetic information, personal appearance, or any other legally protected class.
This conference is a significant event for anyone involved in the agriculture industry, providing a valuable opportunity to learn about the latest advancements in precision agriculture technology and how they can be used to address some of the most pressing challenges facing the industry today.