Tennessee Corn Supports Precision Agriculture Research at UT Martin
UTM students with the Autonomous Weed Spray Robot, a checkoff-funded research project developed by Dr. Saman Sargolzaei’s Engineering Laboratory in collaboration with Dr. Barb Darroch in Plant & Soil Science.
Executive Director Amy McNeil recently visited with students at the University of Tennessee at Martin to see a checkoff-funded research project in action, focused on precision weeding.
Students demonstrated how combining autonomous equipment with artificial intelligence could help improve on-farm efficiency and support more sustainable farming practices. The work explores the potential of precision weeding technology, which may help farmers better manage weeds, reduce unnecessary trips across the field, and make more targeted decisions in the future.
This is just one example of how Tennessee Corn checkoff dollars are being put to work.
“We’re deeply grateful to the Tennessee Corn Promotion Board (TCPB) for their support and partnership over the years,” said Dr. Saman Sargolzaei. “Their involvement brings real-world agricultural challenges to our students, giving them the opportunity to develop practical, impactful solutions and apply their knowledge. Projects like this not only advance sustainable farming practices but also help prepare the next generation to make a meaningful difference in the field.”
Funded by corn growers, checkoff investments support research, education, promotion, and market development efforts that directly benefit Tennessee corn growers. By supporting research projects, TCPB helps students gain hands-on experience while exploring practical tools that could make a difference for farmers.
Photo above, pictured left to right: Connor Viana and Seth Hatchett, who were in attendance, presenting another project; Autonomous Sprayer Team members Jesse Warren, Computer Engineering; Justin Finn, Computer Science; Thomas Paxton, Mechanical Engineering; Dr. Saman Sargolzaei; Amy McNeil; and Dr. Darroch. Not pictured: Arden Stanley, Computer Science student.
About the Tennessee Corn Promotion Board
The Tennessee Corn Promotion Board (TCPB) works on behalf of Tennessee’s corn farmers to invest checkoff dollars in research, market development, education, and promotion. Through these efforts, TCPB helps ensure a strong future for corn production across the state, while connecting the value of corn to consumers, livestock producers, and the industries that rely on it.