CHICO, Calif. — Chico State students and members of the local community gathered to explore the latest technological advancements in agriculture during Chico State’s third annual Precision Ag Day.
“Agriculture is always changing. Everyday there’s a new product out, a new system, and a new need,” said Broc Bettencourt, a fourth-year student at Chico State.
Precision Ag Day unites agricultural innovation companies, students, and local growers to engage with the evolving industry. Advances in agriculture not only reduce labor costs but also promote environmentally friendly production.
“[Attendees can see the] general overview of all the different companies, some of the technologies that are out there and available to them that they might be able to equip on their own tractors, their own UTV’s side by side, and technologies that they can use minimize their inputs, their labor costs, the amount of materials applied in the field,” Bettencourt said.
The California Department of Food and Agriculture states that California is the leading agricultural state in the country. An increased production of produce is driving mechanical innovations in the industry.
Vantage Sierra Cascade was one of nearly 20 companies in attendance, showcasing their technology that operates tractors without the need for a driver.
“There’s not enough labor and it’s very expensive. This helps alleviate that by removing the operator from the cab, and freeing them up to do other stuff around the farm, or even more beneficial, you can have three or four units that are being run by one guy,” explained Cesar Hernandez, a representative of Vantage Sierra Cascade.
In 2023, Butte County exported agricultural goods to over 50 countries and 11 states. The annual Ag Day highlights this vital industry.
“Without farming, we wouldn’t have food, shelter, clothes, any of that. In Butte County, it’s mostly tree crops. In California, we’re one of the main producers of all sorts of crops,” Bettencourt concluded.