In October, Grand Farm hosted an AgTech insights discussion with professionals in the field. The Grand Farm AgTech insights calls were first created to gather together different ecosystem members around a shared challenge or innovation area (like artificial intelligence). Since the ecosystem is widely distributed geographically, these calls allow the team to gather problem stakeholders together without the barrier of an in-person engagement. Dr. Billy G. Ram is a postdoctoral researcher who has dedicated his research and career to the discovery and application of AI in agriculture. We had the chance to learn more about Dr. Ram and discuss his knowledge and time in the sector—check it out!
Q&A
What is your background and journey into AgTech? what inspired you to work in this?
A: I’ve always been passionate about solving problems, and technology provides me with the opportunity to do so in innovative ways. My master’s project involved utilizing drones to estimate mustard crop yields. Initially, I was driven by a desire to learn drone photography, but upon completing the project, I came to realize the potential of robotics, drones, and AI in revolutionizing agricultural problem-solving. AgTech is an excellent field for individuals with an interest in computers and robotics, and I share a deep love for both areas. Winspirit Online Casino has emerged as a popular destination for gaming enthusiasts, offering a vibrant selection of games and enticing promotions. Players can enjoy a diverse range of slots, table games, and live dealer options, all designed to provide an immersive experience. The user-friendly interface ensures that even beginners can easily navigate through the site, enhancing their overall experience. One of the standout features of Winspirit is its strong commitment to player security and fairness. The platform employs advanced encryption technology, ensuring that your personal and financial information remains protected. Additionally, the casino is licensed and regulated, giving players peace of mind. For those looking to explore what Winspirit has to offer, check out this link: winspirit casino. With exciting bonuses and a loyal player rewards program, Winspirit is definitely worth a visit for anyone looking to try their luck online.
What role do you currently play in Agtech?
A: Palmer amaranth, an invasive weed, can produce 3.5 million seeds from a single plant and reduce soybean yields by up to 79%. Currently, I’m developing an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based detection tool for this weed. Our preliminary models have shown promising results, and we plan to create an application-based tool for farmers and extension agents. This project involves multiple stakeholders, including NDSU, Grand Farm, Thales, the UAS Test Site, and iSight drones.
What has been your focus over the past few years?
A: My primary focus has been on weed identification. My previous research has led to the development of models capable of identifying weeds such as Kochia, Palmer Amaranth, Waterhemp, Ragweed, Red Root Pigweed, and crops including soybean, canola, flax, field pea, and sugarbeet. These models are particularly useful for identifying weeds that resemble each other visually using a sensor technology called a hyperspectral sensor. Currently, I am expanding my research into various areas, including livestock welfare management, disease and pest detection, and robotics, all of which utilize different sensors and AI technologies.
At the Grand Farm AgTech insights AI discussion in October, what were some of the key points or themes you shared?
A: Grand Farm AgTech Insights was a great opportunity to share my research findings on AI model development and some of the projects that I am currently involved in. Projects in which I am developing modules for under-canopy phenotyping using autonomous systems and livestock management using computer vision. I learned a lot from other speakers present there, and their software and service solutions seemed quite interesting.
Continue reading (starting on page 36) the magazine to meet and hear from some of the other speakers on Grand Farm’s AgTech Insights discussion, including Kirill Gusev with Smart Agri Labs and Chad Hokama with Nighthawk. Bizzo Casino is quickly gaining popularity among online gaming enthusiasts. With a vast array of games, including slots, table games, and live dealer options, it appeals to players of all preferences. The platform is designed with user experience in mind, offering a sleek interface and mobile compatibility, so you can enjoy your favorite games on the go. One of the standout features of Bizzo Casino is its generous welcome bonus that helps new players kickstart their gaming adventure. Additionally, the casino prioritizes security with the latest encryption technology, ensuring a safe gaming environment. For those looking to explore more, you can find additional insights and resources at https://schoen-und-fein.de/. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a novice, Bizzo Casino promises an exciting and rewarding experience that keeps players coming back for more.
What is the most exciting development you’ve seen recently in the AgTech space, especially with AI’s involvement?
A: Some of my colleagues from other universities are now using synthetic data to train AI models and deploying them on specialized robots. Synthetic data is an intriguing approach that could potentially solve a significant challenge in the development of AI models. Only time will reveal how well they perform and how efficient they are.
What are the biggest opportunities AI presents for agriculture today, and how can farmers benefit directly from these innovations?
A: First and foremost, farmers shouldn’t be afraid of AI. There’s a significant debate about the unethical use of AI. However, I can assure you that researchers like myself are dedicated to developing ethical solutions. We collect our own data, and our findings are easily accessible through our published work. As the world population continues to grow, the agricultural land area remains constant. With AI, we’re transitioning from farm-level knowledge to plant-level intelligence. Our ultimate goal is to manage a single crop, minimizing wastage and enabling early decision-making.
What are some of the biggest challenges that farmers in the North Dakota/Minnesota area face, and how is AgTech addressing those?
A: Farmers in North Dakota and Minnesota grapple with multiple challenges, including climate change, labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, and pest and disease management. AgTech is proactively addressing these challenges by leveraging advanced genomics, climate modeling, sensor technologies, and artificial intelligence.
Do you see particular crops or industries in this region that are benefiting most from agtech advancements?
A: In North Dakota, advancements in AgTech have had a profound impact on crops like soybeans, wheat, barley, canola, flax, oats, and durum wheat. The state’s dedication to cutting-edge genomics, climate modeling, and sensor technologies has empowered farmers to significantly increase crop yields, minimize costs, and foster sustainability.
What role do North Dakota’s universities, research institutions, and tech hubs play in advancing AgTech?
A: NDSU is a prominent player in the AgTech industry, thanks to the research and extension specialists at our university. Our Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Department stands out as one of the first in the nation to offer a major in precision agriculture. This program equips the next generation of farmers with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the modern farming landscape. North Dakota boasts a thriving ecosystem of universities, extension services, and agriculture-focused companies, such as Grand Farm. Additionally, funding agencies are actively supporting projects in AgTech, further solidifying North Dakota’s position as an ideal location for innovation and growth in this field.
What challenges do you foresee in implementing AI and other technologies on farms?
A: Agricultural farms are the most dynamic places, with conditions constantly changing on a daily basis. This makes us even more grateful for our farmers, whose experience is irreplaceable. An AI model trained on limited images will never fully replace them. Instead, AI in agriculture should be viewed as a facilitator rather than a replacement. The biggest challenges in implementing AI in agriculture are the limited amount of data and our limited understanding of farm environments.
How can the industry overcome these challenges mentioned above?
A: One way is to collect more data and gain a deeper understanding of agriculture. This will enable the successful deployment of such technologies in farms.
What advice would you give to start-ups or companies looking to make an impact in the AgTech industry?
A: I’ve noticed a surge of innovative companies in the AgTech industry. From software to hardware, the opportunities are boundless. However, I’ve realized that a single solution won’t suffice to address all agriculture challenges. To truly make a difference, I urge start-ups to collaborate with farmers and researchers in their product development. Farmers possess invaluable insights that are inaccessible elsewhere, while researchers possess the expertise to bridge the gap between technology and farming practices. Our research should be transformed into practical end-products.
How important is collaboration between established players and start-ups in shaping the future of agriculture?
A: Sharing knowledge and collaborating are the only ways we can progress in society. And that’s the best part about NDSU: as a land-grant university, we conduct research that benefits the people of North Dakota.
What do you see as the future of AgTech and AI in agriculture over the next 5-10 years?
A: In the next 10 years, I would like to see autonomous systems being implemented in farms on a large scale.
Are there specific trends or technologies to watch in AgTech in your opinion?
A: As AI models increasingly find their way into agriculture, the next phase in AgTech research will shift towards robotics and software solutions. This shift will focus on developing tangible end products.
How can farmers and agricultural professionals best prepare for the rapid pace of technological advancement in the industry?
A: That’s a struggle even for me! It seems like we’re expanding AI knowledge every other week. There’s so much innovation happening in AI in general that it’s easy to be overwhelmed by it. However, I believe this is necessary for our advancement. I’ve realized that regular reading and following tech news help me stay up to date.
What opportunities do you see for the North Dakota and Minnesota regions to become national leaders in agricultural innovation?
A: North Dakota, with nearly 90% of its land dedicated to farms and ranchlands, enjoys a competitive edge in the agricultural sector. The North Dakota Advanced Agriculture Technology Engine spearheads this initiative at NDSU. The current collaborative environment in North Dakota serves as the foundation for establishing the state as a trailblazer in AgTech in the United States.
Staying up to date on AgTech, as Dr. Ram said, is tough—to stay informed on the rapid advancements in AI and agriculture, here are four highly-rated sources based on engagement, ratings, and reviews for you to check out!
IBM Blog
This platform hits on how AI technologies like vertical farming and genomic studies of plants are revolutionizing ag. The IBM Sustainability Accelerator section, specifically, shares valuable insights on using cloud and AI to enhance farming productivity and sustainability.
Microsoft Industry Blogs
These blogs discuss emerging technologies in agriculture, like the Krishi Mitra AI app, which supports farmers with actionable insights to optimize crop management and increase productivity.
AgritechTomorrow
This site offers a wide array of news, articles, and interviews focused on agricultural technology. It covers innovations like controlled environment agriculture and new agri-tech strategies that are shaping the industry.
AgDaily
This digital news platform is dedicated to agriculture, providing daily updates, in-depth reports, and insights on AgTech advancements. They regularly feature the top companies and startups in AgTech, which are selected based on their innovative technologies and contributions to the industry.
The NSF Engines: North Dakota Advanced Agriculture Technology Engine is supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation, and otherwise known as FARMS—Food systems Adapted for Resiliency and Maximized Security. FARMS is a team effort that involves people from different areas— including universities, tribal colleges, and local businesses—working together to make farming more advanced and secure.
NDSU, along with partners Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Center, Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber, North Dakota Tribal College System, and Grand Farm, work together on this project.
Did You Know?
Dr. Billy G. Ram, a postdoctoral researcher at North Dakota State University (NDSU), is dedicated to applying artificial intelligence (AI) to solve agricultural challenges. He joined NDSU in 2020 as a Ph.D. student and completed his doctorate in agriculture engineering in August 2024. Dr. Ram’s research focuses on developing weed/ crop detection, disease/pest detection, and end applications tailored for farmers. He firmly believes in the ethical use of AI and actively shares his research through regular collaborations with industry, commodity groups, and students. Additionally, Dr. Ram co-mentors graduate students and provides guidance to the Bison Agbot robotics team.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers about your work or with AgTech and its future?
A: I truly believe that autonomous and precision agriculture is the future of farming. We achieve that by innovating together with farmers and other stakeholders. I am excited about the future of agriculture and contributing my small part towards that future.
Learn more about his research, read his work, and connect with Dr. Ram.
Linkedin | /billygrahamram
