Pre-Conference Workshops
R Shiny Workshop
21 July 2024
Registration for this workshop is now sold out
Description:
Workshop Session Time and Location:
This workshop will take place from 2:00pm - 4:00pm on Sunday, 21 July 2024.
Instructors:
Ignacio Ciampitti, Carlos Hernandez, Gustavo Santiago, Pedro Cisdeli
Dr. Ignacio Ciampitti
Carlos Hernandez
Gustavo Santiago
Pedro Cisdeli
Bayesian Modeling for Agricultural Data
21 July 2024
Registration for this workshop is now sold out
Description:
Bayesian models are now used for applied data analysis almost as regularly as classic methods such as t-tests, regression, and ANOVA. Data generated from agricultural systems, whether from a designed experiment, on-farm trials, or opportunistic observations, can benefit from using Bayesian models. Bayesian statistics enables researchers to build bespoke statistical models tailored to the specific research question or application. Furthermore, Bayesian models enable fully probabilistic and statistically valid inference not only on model components (e.g., slope parameters) but also on other indirect quantities of interest (e.g., probability yield is below a certain threshold). In this workshop, we aim to enable practitioners to understand the basics of Bayesian models, demystify standard Bayesian techniques such as Markov chain Monte Carlo, and provide real-world, hands-on agricultural data examples where Bayesian models enable new and essential insights.
Workshop Session Time and Location:
This workshop will take place from 2:00pm - 4:00pm on Sunday, 21 July 2024.
Instructors:
Dr. Trevor Hefley, Dr. Josefina Lacasa, Francisco Palmero
Dr. Trevor Hefley
Dr. Josefina Lacasa
Francisco Palmero
GIS-based Spatial Interpolation Methods
21 July 2024
Description:
Modern GIS software allows users to apply a range of spatial analysis models across a spectrum of analytical sophistication from simple (but informative) descriptive statistics to powerful explanatory models. In this workshop, we’ll examine spatial interpolation methods as one approach to predictive modeling that helps practitioners determine the value of an important agricultural or environmental variable where it hasn’t been measured using a control point dataset of known values recorded at specific locations. Spatial interpolation methods can be categorized broadly into deterministic and geostatistical approaches. We will explore techniques within each category to better understand their purpose, appreciate their strengths and weaknesses, and how to evaluate which technique is best for a given modeling scenario. Learning will take place for two one-hour studio sessions featuring both lecture discussion and practical hands-on work. A final practical exercise will be used to reinforce concepts and allow participants to work independently with a new dataset to produce predictions with cross-validated model performance metrics.
Workshop Session Time and Location:
This workshop will take place from 9:00am - 12:00pm on Sunday, 21 July 2024.
Instructors:
Dr. Shawn Hutchinson, Carlos Hernandez, Dr. Trevor Hefley
Carlos Hernandez
Dr. Shawn Hutchinson
Dr. Trevor Hefley
Object Detection 101: A Data-to-Deployment Workshop
21 July 2024
Description:
Machine learning, specifically deep learning approaches, can be useful to detect, classify, and segment different objects using imagery collected from different devices. Currently, this technology is rapidly growing, and the need to address different agricultural tasks without intense labor can be solved with automation using deep learning. For example, different detection models including in the YOLOv5 family can exceed in detecting small and big objects. This beginner-friendly crash course on developing deep learning models objects in agricultural spaces will equip you with essential skills to harness the power of object detection in the context of precision agriculture. In this workshop you will understand the basics of collecting high-quality data using sensors on mobile devices but with pathways to adopt similar strategies to data collected from drones, satellites, and ground-based sensors. Participants will also explore the capabilities of cutting-edge, open-source software like Roboflow to build your initial object detection models through hands-on activities and will gain practical experience in developing and fine-tuning object detection models. Participants will also learn how these tools are currently applied in addressing real-world challenges in precision agriculture and integrated into robotic systems, such as pest and disease detection, sense-and-spray technologies, yield estimation, and crop health monitoring.
Workshop Session Time and Location:
This workshop will take place from 10:00am - 12:00pm on Sunday, 21 July 2024.
Instructors:
Dr. Ivan Grijalva, Dr. Brian Spiesman, Dr. Brian McCornack
Ivan Grijalva
Dr. Brian McCornack
Dr. Brian Spiesman
Agriculture Robotics 101: “From Sub-Systems to Integration"
21 July 2024
Description:
Workshop Session Time and Location:
This workshop will take place from 10:00am - 12:00pm on Sunday, 21 July 2024.
Instructors:
Dr. Ajay Sharda, Harsha Cheppally, Jose Persch, Nirajan Piya