AEM last week hosted two Demo Days, bringing industry groups, equipment manufacturers, and regulatory agency staff face-to-face with the cutting-edge equipment transforming modern agriculture.
Held June 11-12 on a working Maryland farm, the event showcased in-field and aerial demonstrations of precision spraying tools, autonomous equipment, and conservation practices—all designed to showcase how today’s growers can use the most advanced and effective technologies to reduce inputs, save money, and lessen their environmental footprint.
AEM’s Demo Days aim to educate lawmakers, regulators, and partners about the real-world impact of modern agricultural technology. This year’s attendees included White House adviser Calley Means, who supports Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. with the Make America Healthy Again Commission. Additionally, more than 50 staff from the Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service were in attendance.
“By seeing this equipment in action, regulators gain a better understanding of how technology is already helping farmers do more with less,” said Nick Tindall, AEM senior director of regulatory affairs. “It is a critical step in ensuring that outdated rules do not hold back innovation that benefits both producers and the planet.”
The demonstrations took place at the Newburg, Maryland family farm of Chip Bowling, former president of the National Corn Growers Association and current vice chair of the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance. Equipment and technical expertise were provided by leading manufacturing members, including AGCO, CASE IH, John Deere, Solinftech, Topcon, and Verdant.
AEM partnered with the Agricultural Retailers Association, CropLife America, National Agricultural Aviation Association, American Soybean Association, and the National Corn Growers Association to ensure regulators heard from a diverse group of industry stakeholders.
As federal agencies consider how to modernize regulations for agricultural inputs and technology, AEM’s Demo Days continue to be a vital tool to bridge the gap between policy and practice.
