University Of Georgia To Host Southeastern Specialty Crop Technology Conference And Show In Tifton, Georgia, May 5-6
In addition to research sessions and panels, live demonstrations will highlight AI-driven sprayers and weeders, harvesting aid robotics, drones for weed detection and wildlife mitigation, and more. Feature Image Credit: Chamberlain Smith
What
The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) is set to host the first Southeastern Specialty Crop Technology Conference and Show, a two-day precision and digital agriculture showcase aimed at accelerating the understanding and adoption of emerging technologies in specialty crop production across the Southeastern U.S.
The inaugural event will showcase AI-driven sprayers, robotics, drones and digital agriculture tools, with live field demonstrations designed to address labor, efficiency and sustainability challenges. Experts from UGA, USDA, major universities and ag technology companies will share research, host panels and engage directly with growers.
Where
UGA Tifton Conference Center, 15 RDC Road, Tifton, GA – (31.48126 N, 83.52084 W)
When
Sessions begin at 8 a.m. EST on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 and Wednesday, May 6, 2026
(On-site registration begins at 7 a.m. EST on Tuesday, May 5, 2026; a full agenda can be found here: https://specialtycroptech.uga.edu/agenda/)
Who
- Steve Thomson, national program leader, USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture
- Walt Duflock, VP of innovation, Western Growers
- Stavros Vougioukas, agricultural engineer, University of California, Davis
- Jason Brantley, VP of small ag and turf production systems, John Deere
- Stanley Culpepper, professor, University of Georgia
- Luan Oliveira, precision ag specialist, University of Georgia
Photo Opps
- Speakers at podium/stage
- On-site demos of field technologies
- Access to experts for interviews (by request)
RSVP
Media outlets may contact CAES PR Manager Jordan Powers at jpowers@uga.edu for media registration
Event Contact
Luan Oliveira – UGA Cooperative Extension assistant professor and precision ag Extension specialist – luan@uga.edu
Media Contact
Jordan Powers – CAES Office of Marketing and Communications PR manager – jpowers@uga.edu
