U.S. producers, processors, and the public face many national and global changes as they strive to maintain profitability or financial viability. Flat prices for many crops, increasing production costs, global competition, and attention to public goods have forced producers to measure, monitor, analyze, and micromanage all aspects of their operations to increase efficiency. Food processors and distributors have similar issues, plus food safety concerns. Public entities, e.g., communities, also have interest in mapping local assets, such as urban trees or peak water flows, for planning and management purposes. These activities often rely on a number of systems: sensors, information technologies, image processing, communications, statistical/mathematical analyses, and electro-mechanical devices. While the introduction of precision technologies into operations involves additional costs, resulting benefits may include lower overall operating costs, greater management efficiency, increased safety, improved and more consistent products, and reduced negative environmental and ecological impacts. Through program leadership and competitive grants, CSREES emphasizes the use of information and precision technologies to synthesize and deliver decision tools that improve management capabilities for all agricultural, food, forestry, and community enterprises, regardless of size or ownership.
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In Focus
Partners/Partnership
Events
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ASA-CSSA-SSSA 2009 International Annual Meetings, Pittsburgh, PA, November 1-5, 2009.
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Grantsmanship Workshops, November 10-11, 2009, Kansas City, MO; Embassy Suites Kansas City - International Airport
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Grantsmanship Workshops, November 18-19, 2009, Washington, D.C.; Marriott Crystal Gateway
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Selected Results and Impacts
Resources
Contacts
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