Microsoft and FFA Bring Precision Agriculture Education to All 50 States
Microsoft Corp. and the National FFA Organization have announced the nationwide expansion of their FarmBeats for Students program, a innovative educational initiative that integrates smart sensors, data science, and artificial intelligence (AI) to teach precision agriculture in classrooms.
Starting immediately, FFA teachers and students across the United States, including chapters in 185 middle and high schools, will receive a complimentary classroom set of FarmBeats for Students kits. These kits include ready-to-use sensor systems along with curriculum for teachers and are designed to be accessible to classrooms of all kinds, requiring no prior technical experience.
The program comes at a time when farmers are increasingly adopting advanced technologies such as automated tractors and harvesters, drones, and data analysis to maximize crop yields, optimize resource usage, and adapt to changing weather patterns. By gaining hands-on experience with machine automation, data science, and AI, American agricultural students will be better positioned to remain competitive in the global market.
Using the FarmBeats for Students kits and free curriculum, students will build environmental sensor systems and utilize AI to monitor soil moisture and detect nutrient deficiencies. This allows them to make data-driven decisions in real time and understand the conditions affecting their plants. The kits can be adapted to address regional challenges such as drought, frost, and pests, providing students with practical experience in tackling real-world issues in their local communities.
“Microsoft is committed to ensuring students and teachers have the tools they need to succeed in today’s tech-driven world, including hands-on experience with precision farming, data science, and AI,” said Mary Snapp, Microsoft vice president of Strategic Initiatives. “By partnering with FFA to bring FarmBeats for Students to students nationwide, we aim to inspire the next generation of agriculture leaders and equip them with the skills to address future challenges.”
Christine White, chief program officer of the National FFA Organization, noted, “Our partnership with Microsoft demonstrates the power of collaboration in addressing industry needs while fostering student growth. Supporting agricultural education and leadership development is crucial for shaping the next generation of innovators and problem solvers.”
The FarmBeats for Students program was co-developed by Microsoft, FFA, and agriculture educators. It aligns with various educational standards, including the AI for K-12 initiative guidelines, Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources career standards, Computer Science Teachers Association standards, and Common Core math standards.
For more information about FarmBeats for Students, including purchasing kits for $35 and accessing free training, educators and interested parties can visit aka.ms/FBFS.
About National FFA Organization
The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization with more than 1,027,200 student members across 9,235 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The organization focuses on developing students’ potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.
About Microsoft
Microsoft creates platforms and tools powered by AI to deliver innovative solutions that meet evolving customer needs. The company is committed to making AI accessible responsibly, with a mission to empower every person and organization to achieve more.
