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Keynote Speakers

2025 Keynotes

Our keynote speakers are experts in their fields and will share knowledge that you can immediately apply to your farm operation. They’ll provide valuable insights into current Sprayer and Drone technology and inspire you to think differently!

Aaron Herrmann Research agronomist
Bio

BIO


Aaron grew up on a family farm in Central Illinois, where he developed a deep appreciation for agriculture and a strong commitment to understanding the challenges farmers face. Over the past eight years, he has focused on researching and developing practical solutions to help farmers operate more efficiently and effectively. Currently, Aaron applies his expertise to identifying issues specific to sprayer operations. He works to uncover opportunities for improving the sprayer pass, aiming to enhance performance and reduce chemical costs for farmers. His work bridges the gap between real-world farming needs and innovative, field-tested solutions.

August 12th | 10am Speaker tent

Next Level Spraying: How to Get More Out of Your Sprayer Pass

In a time when input costs are rising and margins are tight, maximizing every pass across the field is crucial—especially when it comes to spraying. The sprayer pass is more than just applying chemicals; it’s a key opportunity to enhance efficiency, minimize waste, and increase your return on investment. By taking a closer look at equipment performance, application accuracy, and in-field conditions, growers can uncover ways to make each sprayer pass more effective. From nozzle selection to speed and pressure settings, minor adjustments can lead to significant savings. In this keynote, we’ll explore practical strategies and insights to help you take your sprayer performance to the next level—and ultimately get more out of every acre.

Ashley Hanson UNMANNED Aviation systems manager
Bio

BIO


Ashley Hansen is the Unmanned Aviation Systems (UAS) Manager at John Deere, overseeing global UAS operations, training, and policy development. She leads the acquisition of advanced UAV technology, identifies innovative applications, and serves as the primary remote pilot for critical missions.
 
Previously, Ashley worked as a product engineer at John Deere Intelligent Solutions Group, specializing in UAV-based field research and user experience. She also contributed to Amazon Prime Air’s flight test team and has hands-on experience in production agriculture.
 
Ashley holds a B.S. and M.S. in Unmanned Systems from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and is an FAA-certified Private Pilot and Remote Pilot. She was the youngest and first female Embry-Riddle graduate to earn AUVSI TOP Level 1, 2, and 3 certifications and co-published research on UAV-generated 3D NDVI point clouds for citrus disease detection.
Passionate about using unmanned systems to address global agricultural challenges, Ashley is also an advocate for women in STEM, especially in aviation and ag tech.

August 13th | 10am Speaker tent

From Sky to Soil: Harnessing Drone Technology in Modern Farming

As we face the pressing challenges of modern farming—from the need to increase food and fiber production to sustainable practices—drones have emerged as a powerful ally in our quest for solutions. Explore the current and future technologies of drones, examine the benefits and drawbacks of these advancements, and understand their pivotal role in data collection and precision fertilization. Additionally, we will discuss key considerations for integrating drones into your farming operations. Armed with this knowledge, you will be empowered to determine how drones can optimize and elevate your current farming operations.