Clemson Extension hires new precision ag specialist
Clemson Extension hires new precision ag specialist Clemson News
sdgtalks
The Clemson University Center for Agricultural Technology (CU-CAT) Welcomes New Precision Agriculture Specialist
Introduction
The Clemson University Center for Agricultural Technology (CU-CAT) has recently hired Kevin Royal as their new precision agriculture specialist. Royal will be based at the Edisto Research and Education Center in Blackville, South Carolina. His main responsibility is to provide support and technical assistance to Cooperative Extension Service agents and South Carolina farmers in adopting precision agriculture technologies. By helping farmers identify the most suitable technologies and practices for their operations, Royal aims to promote sustainable development in the agricultural sector.
Precision Agriculture and its Benefits
Precision agriculture is a farming approach that utilizes advanced sensors and data analysis to improve crop yields, optimize resource utilization (such as fertilizers and irrigation), reduce labor requirements, and enhance crop quality. Royal emphasizes the numerous advantages of using precision technology on farms and is excited to contribute his knowledge and experiences to help South Carolina farmers benefit from this technology.
Customized Approach to Precision Agriculture
Royal acknowledges that precision agriculture is not a “one-size-fits-all” approach. Instead, it is a toolbox consisting of various technology and data management tools. The choice of tools depends on factors such as farm size and operations. With his experience in precision agriculture, including farm management, GIS software training and support, and collaboration with agricultural cooperatives on variable rate crop input systems, Royal is well-equipped to assist farmers in finding the most suitable precision agriculture solutions for their specific needs.
Expertise and Contact Information
Royal holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business and a master’s degree in geographic information science (GIS). He has also taught classes in precision agriculture. South Carolina farmers can contact Royal for assistance with their precision agriculture needs. He can be reached via mobile phone at 402.209.2291 or by email at klroyal@clemson.edu.
About CU-CAT
The CU-CAT team, led by Director Kendall Kirk, consists of various professionals dedicated to promoting sustainable and technology-driven agriculture in South Carolina. The team includes Nathan Smith (assistant director), Mallory Douglass (business manager), Lisa Ballou (administrative coordinator), Benjamin Fogle (lead ag engineering specialist), Trey McAlhany (lead information technology specialist), Aaron Turner (student engagement coordinator), Fleming McMaster (ag support technician), Jerry Han (ag support technician), and Michael Masters (academic support technician).
Industry Involvement and Partnership Opportunities
Kirk encourages industry involvement in all CU-CAT efforts. Interested industries can contact Mallory Douglass at mmdougl@clemson.edu for partnership opportunities. By collaborating with external organizations, CU-CAT aims to further advance sustainable agriculture practices and support the local farming community.
Conclusion
The Center for Agricultural Technology at Clemson University is dedicated to promoting sustainable and technology-driven agriculture in South Carolina. With the addition of Kevin Royal as the new precision agriculture specialist, CU-CAT aims to provide valuable support and assistance to farmers in adopting precision agriculture technologies. By embracing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), CU-CAT contributes to the overall goal of achieving sustainable agriculture and ensuring food security for all.
Contact Information
For more information, visit www.clemson.edu/agtech.
Want to Discuss?
Get in touch and we will connect you with the author or another expert. Or email us at news@clemson.edu.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 13: Climate Action
The article discusses the role of precision agriculture in improving crop yields, optimizing resource utilization, reducing labor requirements, and enhancing crop quality. These objectives align with SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), which aims to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. The use of advanced sensors and data analysis in precision agriculture also connects to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), which focuses on promoting sustainable industrialization, fostering innovation, and enhancing infrastructure. Additionally, the article mentions the goal of reducing resource utilization, which relates to SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Finally, the adoption of precision agriculture technologies can contribute to SDG 13 (Climate Action) by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving climate resilience in agriculture.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production.
- Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, in particular developing countries, including, by 2030, encouraging innovation and substantially increasing the number of research and development workers per 1 million people.
- Target 12.3: By 2030, halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels and reduce food losses along production and supply chains, including post-harvest losses.
- Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
The article highlights the adoption of resilient agricultural practices and sustainable food production systems through precision agriculture, which aligns with Target 2.4. The use of advanced sensors and data analysis in precision agriculture also contributes to Target 9.5 by promoting technological capabilities and innovation in the agricultural sector. Furthermore, the reduction of resource utilization and optimization of crop yields in precision agriculture can help achieve Target 12.3 by minimizing food waste and losses. Finally, the integration of climate change measures in precision agriculture supports Target 13.2.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator 2.4.1: Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture
- Indicator 9.5.1: Research and development expenditure as a proportion of GDP
- Indicator 12.3.1: Global food loss index
- Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have communicated the establishment or operationalization of an integrated policy/strategy/plan that addresses climate change adaptation, mitigation, impact reduction, and early warning
The article does not explicitly mention these indicators, but they can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. Indicator 2.4.1 measures the proportion of agricultural area under sustainable agriculture, which reflects the adoption of resilient agricultural practices mentioned in the article. Indicator 9.5.1 assesses research and development expenditure as a proportion of GDP, indicating the level of investment in technological capabilities and innovation in the agricultural sector. Indicator 12.3.1 measures the global food loss index, which aligns with the goal of reducing food waste and losses in precision agriculture. Finally, Indicator 13.2.1 tracks the number of countries that have established or operationalized policies/strategies/plans addressing climate change, reflecting the integration of climate change measures in precision agriculture.
4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 2: Zero Hunger | Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production. | Indicator 2.4.1: Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, in particular developing countries, including, by 2030, encouraging innovation and substantially increasing the number of research and development workers per 1 million people. | Indicator 9.5.1: Research and development expenditure as a proportion of GDP |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | Target 12.3: By 2030, halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels and reduce food losses along production and supply chains, including post-harvest losses. | Indicator 12.3.1: Global food loss index |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have communicated the establishment or operationalization of an integrated policy/strategy/plan that addresses climate change adaptation, mitigation, impact reduction, and early warning |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: news.clemson.edu
Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.
