Innovative Grower Panel Confirmed for Tech Connect

Just confirmed for Tech Connect on July 16 is a panel of three innovative farmers who will discuss “AgTech Lessons from My Farm.” Illinois farmers Ken Dalenberg, Steve Pitstick and Jacob Wade will share what they learned using agtech on their own farms and offer suggestions for others interested in implementing new technologies.

• Ken Dalenberg has tested and consulted on technologies for The Climate Corporation, Farmers Business Network, Syngenta’s AgriEdge, Agrible, John Deere and other companies after becoming an early adopter of agtech on his own operation. Dalenberg’s Scattered Acres Farm near Mansfield, Illinois, has been the site of many research projects to evaluate precision farming technology and other innovative products and practices.

• As an early adopter of technology, Steve Pitstick advises startup ag companies and has a long track record of utilizing the latest and most innovative equipment and science available in the agricultural industry. Pitstick is a progressive corn and soybean grower near Maple Park, Illinois, and represents District #2 on the Illinois Soybean Association board of directors.

• From McLean, Illinois, Jacob Wade relies on multiple technologies to benefit his operation, including precision tools, field data recording and drones for crop health monitoring. Wade is a fifth-generation farmer who raises corn and soybeans and ventured into hemp production this year. In addition to farming, he operates AgVantage Seeds and a seed treatment business.

There’s still time to register for Tech Connect, a new event funded by the Illinois Soybean Association checkoff program, providing farmers the opportunity to learn about and interact with technology that is on the market now. Register now as space is limited for this one-day, free event held July 16 at the iHotel and Conference Center in Champaign, Illinois. The full agenda is available online.

During Tech Connect, expert speakers will explore different technology categories and help farmers break through the noise to understand and evaluate the offerings. Small-group breakout sessions will examine these technologies:

• Inputs and Planning: Digital Insight for Real Decisions

• Marketing and Risk Management: Apps and Software for Soft Commodities

• Integrated Tech Platforms: Moving Toward Whole Farm Tech

The technology companies participating in the breakout sessions are:

• Growers

• Nutrien Ag Solutions

• AgYield

• FarmLead

• Indigo Ag

• Granular

The free event includes continental breakfast sponsored by Growers and lunch sponsored by FMC Corporation. During lunch Nolan Paxton, FMC Precision Platforms Sales Representative, will speak on revolutionizing in-furrow crop protection.

Producers can reserve a seat today at www.ILSoyAdvisor.com/TechConnect. If you have questions, please contact the ISA Meeting and Events Planning Team at 888-826-4011 or email events@ilsoy.org.

Tech Connect is funded by the ISA checkoff program and is free to Illinois farmers who are interested in learning more about ag technologies.