By Andi Anderson
Agricultural innovation is becoming an important part of farming in Iowa, and many farmers are learning how to use new tools to prepare for the future. Technologies such as drones flying over fields and collars on cattle are becoming more common.
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is helping farmers and agricultural professionals gain practical experience so they can use these tools for better efficiency and profitability.
Since 2022, extension field agronomists have worked with specialists in the ISU Digital Ag Innovation Lab to offer Planter University workshops in several locations across the state. These workshops are part of a larger program that teaches farmers how to improve planting accuracy and planter performance.
According to instructor Levi Powell, "The Digital Ag innovation Lab is a group of researchers here at Iowa State and we do everything from software and sensor development to controls." He explained that the program was created to help bring advanced research directly to farmers.
Participants learn how to evaluate their planting results and make adjustments that can improve their crop yields. Many farmers say the lessons are worth $10‑$20 per acre, and the workshops have had an estimated economic impact of more than $3.3 million over four years.
Other programs also provide hands‑on drone training, and in 2025, 82% of Spray Drone Essentials University participants reported gaining useful knowledge they could apply in their work.
Combine University began in 2025, giving growers the chance to learn more about combining corn and soybeans and understanding grain elevator performance.
Field agronomist Meaghan Anderson said these programs offer “a really useful opportunity for farmers to learn more.” She added, “This program has really shown the ability to reach farmers and others in the agricultural community where they need it.”
Livestock producers are also benefiting from new technologies such as virtual fencing and digital cattle collars. At a fall field day, participants explored precision beef tools demonstrated by experts.
Beef specialist Erika Lundy‑Woolfolk said, “This field day was really a joint effort to bring some of the resources to the producer out into the field.” Producers learned how virtual fencing allows flexible grazing even when they cannot be in the pasture.
Cattle producer Matt Vermeersch described the collars by saying, “They’re collecting the data; it’s just like your Apple watch tracking your steps.”
These technologies help farmers make better decisions, improve efficiency, and strengthen rural communities by supporting long‑term farm success.
Photo Credit: pexels-flo-dnd
Categories: Iowa, Equipment & Machinery