Precision agriculture and the tools that move it forward keep advancing at a breakneck pace.

Kansas farmers who want to keep up have an annual opportunity to do that on Jan. 18-19, when the Kansas Agricultural Research and Technical Association convenes its annual Ag Tech Conference, which it co-hosts with Kansas State University Research and Extension.

The organization expects more than 175 farmers, researchers, producers and university researchers to gather for the event in Junction City. The Ag Tech Conference offers a chance for farmers to learn about the latest technology and cutting edge precision ag practices in a down-to-earth atmosphere. Attendees will also get a look at on-farm research presented by other KARTA members who are experimenting with these practices on their own farms.

At this year’s conference, Jason Ward from North Carolina State University will talk about the Advanced Ag Lab at North Carolina State, which conducts interdisciplinary research and extension programs focused on agricultural technologies and digital farming methods.

The goal is to leverage agricultural data sources, management and analysis to drive real-world actionable insights across commodities and production systems. Ward has worked in precision ag for industry, government and academia for more than 10 years.

Brian Arnall from Oklahoma State University is a precision nutrient management Extension specialist. His Extension, teaching and research efforts are focused on precision technologies and nutrient management in all of Oklahoma’s cropping systems with an emphasis in site specific techniques.

Ty Fickenscher will open the conference with a practical presentation on what he is seeing in south-central Nebraska in the way of trends for irrigation, fertilization and telemetry. His company, Upward Ag Systems, helps producers become more efficient and profitable with ag technology.

Organizers of the conference say more presenters will be finalized soon and, as always, there will be research presentations from farmers who are grant recipients. An informal, interactive evening discussion on the first night of the conference, Jan. 18, is also planned.

Funds generated through KARTA memberships and conference proceeds are used to provide on-farm research grants and to develop workshops throughout the year.

Registration for the conference is now open and those who sign up early will get a $50 reduction in the registration fee. A block of hotel rooms will be held until Jan. 10 at the conference site, the Courtyard by Marriott in Junction City. KARTA attendees will get a $25 room discount on rooms. To reserve a room, call the hotel at (785) 210-2714.