Southeast students learn how tech, soil can mix

It's a new generation of farming at Southeast Missouri State University. With new technology and more on the horizon, the university is training today's students to be tomorrow's farmers.

A recent story in the Southeast Missourian explained a new technology that allows a farmer to gauge soil moisture.

The technology allows the user to check moisture at four depths using a transmitter, satellite and electronic device like a computer or cellphone.

This goes beyond whether irrigation is required. It also tells the farmer valuable information to better determine if a field is susceptible to various diseases and insects.

Michael Aide, chairman of Southeast Missouri State University's Department of Agriculture, told the newspaper he expects even more technology in the industry within the year that will affect agriculture management.

You often see the bumper sticker: "No farmers, no food." The American farmer plays a critical role in our economy. Southeast Missouri has a strong agriculture base, and it's good to see the university providing a first-class environment for these students to learn about the industry.