Agriculture is rapidly changing as new technologies, Artificial Intelligence (AI), remote sensing, automation, and data-driven decision tools become increasingly available to producers. While these technologies offer tremendous potential, many farmers are still asking important questions: How do these tools fit into my operation? What technologies deliver economic value in the field? And how can I separate promising innovations from marketing hype?
The 2nd Symposium of Digital Agriculture (SyDAg 2026), themed “Growing with AI,” will bring together growers, extension specialists, researchers, industry leaders, and technology innovators to explore practical applications of digital agriculture and AI for modern farming. This event is designed for row-crop and livestock producers, agronomists, crop consultants, and anyone evaluating new farm technology for their operation. The symposium will be held on September 28, 2026, at Purdue University’s Beck Agricultural Center in West Lafayette. As we know that late September is a busy time in the field for all our Ag community, we have kept the day short, starting early but ending early afternoon, a half day packed with key knowledge. Topics will range from the use of AI-assisted spraying, drone and data science applications, yield mapping, and hands-on technology demonstrations. The primary goal of SyDAg is to make digital agriculture approachable, accessible, and useful for agricultural stakeholders while highlighting technologies that improve real-world decision-making, and to create conversations between those developing new tools and the producers who ultimately use them.
What Farmers Can Expect
Attendees will hear from experts representing agriculture, industry, and academia who are working at the forefront of digital agriculture, including keynote speaker William Aderholdt of Grand Farm and representatives from Purdue University, the University of Illinois, Cornell University, and agricultural industry organizations. Topics will focus on how AI and digital technologies are being used to address challenges in crop production, farm management, and agricultural sustainability. The program will emphasize practical solutions and emerging trends that can help producers make more informed decisions. The symposium will also provide opportunities to:
- Learn how AI and digital tools are being applied in agriculture today.
- Explore technologies that support better field-level and farm-level decision-making.
- Interact with researchers, extension specialists, and industry professionals.
- Discover current research and innovations that may shape the future of crop production.
- Connect with other growers and agricultural stakeholders interested in digital agriculture.
- Live demonstrations of efforts on digital agriculture and use of robotics in the field.
Building on a Successful First Year
The inaugural SyDAg symposium in 2025 demonstrated strong interest in digital agriculture across Indiana and beyond. The event attracted approximately 140 attendees and featured presentations from university researchers, industry experts, and agricultural leaders focused on advancing digital and precision agriculture (Figure 1). Participants also engaged with research posters, technology demonstrations, and discussions centered on translating innovation into practical agricultural impact. Opportunities for networking and open dialogue with experts on different topics was one of the key highlights for many participants. Exploring new potential technologies and better understanding which tools are actually worth the investment were key aspects of the event. The success of the first symposium reinforced the need for continued dialogue between researchers, technology developers, extension professionals, and farmers. SyDAg 2026 aims to build on that momentum by focusing on how AI can support agricultural decision-making and improve outcomes across diverse farming systems.
Join the Conversation
Whether you currently use digital tools, implement precision agriculture practices in your field or simply want to learn what new technologies are currently available now or in the near future for your farm, SyDAg 2026 offers practical insights from growers, researchers, extension specialists, and industry leaders. The symposium is free to attend, and lunch will be provided. If you are interested in how technology can improve agricultural decision-making, increase efficiency, and support sustainable production, this event is for you. Visit the symposium website (SyDAg 2026) or scan the QR code below to reserve your spot (Figure 2). We look forward to seeing you in West Lafayette on Monday September 28, 2026.
Figures:
Figure 1. Some pictures from last year’s Symposium (SyDAg 2025) highlighting panel discussions, key talks, poster and networking sessions.
Figure 2. QR code to register for the event.
