Emerging agriculture technologies highlight Stiles Farm Field Day
Experimental soybeans, smart weed control and water issues spark insight
Rain pushed the Stiles Farm Field Day indoors but it couldn’t dampen the buzz among attendees who learned more about new weed management methods and breakthrough agricultural technology innovations aimed at helping the bottom line of Blacklands farmers in Central Texas.
Farmers, community members and industry professionals turned out for the annual event, hosted by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. The day was highlighted by a look at emerging technologies, current research and pressing issues affecting Texas agriculture and rural communities.
Technology and research take center stage
Discussions and demonstrations showed attendees how automation is transforming modern farming by improving efficiency, precision and labor management at the John Deere Test Site Group, showcasing the latest in autonomous tractor technology to field management best practices.
Ronnie Schnell, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension state cropping systems specialist and professor in the Texas A&M Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Bryan-College Station, discussed weed control options in corn and grain sorghum, offering updates on effective strategies tailored to Central Texas growing conditions.
Schnell said while there is not a lot of data on soybean production in the Blacklands region, the crop can reduce nitrogen inputs and offer area producers an alternative.
He said the soybean trial at the Stiles Farm will help him evaluate and get a better understanding of what varieties will perform well. Those results will be shared with growers to help improve overall profit margins in future crop years.
One concern he brought up was the redbanded stink bug.
“This will take out an entire field of soybeans,” Schnell said. “It will feed off the pods and kill the seeds. If you don’t control this pest, you will lose 100% of your field. You have to spray once that bug moves in.”
Impact of rapid development and rural water supplies
Another hot topic discussed was the impact of rapid development on rural water supplies with Tina Hendon, Texas Water Resources Institute program specialist, Bryan-College Station.
Hendon said communities can prepare for future challenges and outlined the roles of various entities involved in water planning across the state.
“While growth is inevitable, collaboration can ensure rural communities don’t get left behind when it comes to water access,” she said.
Blackland cotton’s big three challenges
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Ben McKnight, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension statewide cotton specialist and assistant professor in the Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Bryan-College Station, said cotton producers are facing three production challenges:
- Higher input costs, such as seed and fertilizer.
- Low commodity prices continue to threaten profits.
- Loss of technology and traits, which includes the loss of the ability to use approved dicamba products for weed control in 2025.
He shared research on lower seeding rates and skip-row cotton planting in the Blacklands, noting the potential for reducing input costs without sacrificing yield. He also provided data on the impact of ThryvOn technology in managing thrips and fleahoppers, two major cotton pests. He concluded with a preview of a new herbicide trait in cotton, expected to be available next year.
