By Scout Nelson
North Dakota State University Extension will host the third annual North Dakota Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Conference on Sept. 17-18 at the Peltier Complex and Memorial Union in Fargo, North Dakota. The event will focus on the theme "Precision Agriculture for Controlled Environment Agriculture" and will highlight new technologies that support efficient, year-round crop production.
The conference will welcome growers, researchers, Extension professionals, industry representatives, students, technology developers, and policymakers. Participants will learn about the latest advances in controlled environment agriculture and explore practical ways to improve food production using modern technology.
Controlled environment agriculture uses greenhouses, high tunnels, indoor farms, vertical farming systems, and hydroponics to create the best growing conditions for crops. These systems help farmers produce fresh food throughout the year while improving resource use, reducing environmental impacts, and strengthening food security.
The conference program includes presentations from national and regional experts covering important topics such as artificial intelligence, sensors, smart monitoring systems, water and nutrient management, energy efficiency, greenhouse production, and vertical farming technologies.
These sessions will provide valuable information for both experienced growers and those interested in learning more about controlled environment agriculture.
Participants will also have the opportunity to tour NDSU's controlled environment agriculture facilities and data center. An exhibition area will feature companies and organizations displaying new equipment, technologies, and services designed to improve indoor crop production.
The event encourages collaboration between researchers, educators, growers, and industry professionals. By sharing ideas and new technologies, attendees can help improve productivity, sustainability, and year-round food production across North Dakota and other regions.
“By bringing together expertise from multiple disciplines, we can accelerate the adoption of technologies that improve productivity, sustainability and year-round food production,” says Laxmi Prasad, NDSU Extension water engineer.
Registration for the conference closes on July 31. Additional conference information, registration and the preliminary agenda are available at ndsu.ag/CEA-con-26.
Photo Credit: north-dakota-state-university
Categories: North Dakota, Crops, Sustainable Agriculture