The Leading Edge of Technology in Orchard Crops
March 16, 2010
Presentation by Clark Seavert
Hear the Latest:
Orchard Crop Technology
Join the Gorge Technology Alliance in welcoming Clark Seavert to the Columbia River Gorge. Seavert is an agricultural economist whose work is focused on technology adoption in orchards.
The Gorge Technology Alliance received a Google grant to support its "Leading Edge of Technology" speakers series, making this event FREE for everyone to attend.
When
Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at 7pm
About Clark Seavert
Seavert directs Oregon State University’s North Willamette Research and Extension Center. He is also part of a nationwide group of more than 50 engineers, scientists, economists and extension educators working on a project known as the Comprehensive Automation for Specialty Crops (CASC).
CASC is a four-year project funded by USDA and the industry to develop, test, deploy, and commercialize various systems to improve orchard management, streamline major operations such as harvest, and reduce growers’ costs.
What Seavert's Talk Will Include
Seavert will be speaking about his CASC research as well as research from Washington State University focused on automation of the cherry harvest.
Since the beginning of the project, in September 2008, the CASC team has produced and field-tested prototypes of several systems that will mature in coming years to commercial products:
- Cameras and software that automatically detect the onset of fire blight.
- A digital trap that automatically counts insect-size objects that fall through it. In the future, it will be able to distinguish target insects from other insects or objects.
- A laser caliper that automatically measures nursery tree diameter and a counter that automatically counts nursery trees.
- Cameras and software that automatically determine crop load.
- Fruit handling and bin filling mechanisms that increase worker productivity and reduce bruising.
- Software that organizes fruit, tree, and block information in graphical formats to facilitate farm management and increase efficiency.
- Automated driverless vehicles that drive safely along the rows deploying sensors and carrying farm implements such as precision spraying systems and mowers.
About the Gorge Technology Alliance
The
Gorge Technology Alliance seeks to promote the technology business sector
of the Gorge by helping start, grow, expand, and sustain high tech companies.
It meets regularly and provides networking opportunities with learning
events about technology business resources in the area.
Click to learn more: Gorge Technology Alliance