Extension specialist passionate about technology in agriculture and how it will advance and help Iowa’s farmers make better decisions.

The future of farming in Iowa is set to be shaped by a steady stream of technological advancements, says Iowa State University (ISU) Extension’s new digital agriculture specialist.

Doug Houser says with fewer resources and labor, farmers should consider how best to do more with less and innovations will drive farming technology with the continued development of data analytics and autonomous equipment such as tractors, combines, sprayers and drones. 

Houser joined ISU early last year to provide Iowa farmers with tools and solutions for adopting digital applications in their operations. 

He’s passionate about the potential of digital agriculture to revolutionize the industry. 

“Take the cell phone,” Houser explained. “People said, well, cell phones will never take off … Now look at where we are with technology. 

“I think the same thing can be said about autonomous equipment and spray drones. It’s just a matter of time before the next iteration or next change is really going to make it into a cost-worthy digital piece for our farmers.”

Before joining ISU, Houser had a long career with Corteva, where he worked as a corn breeder research associate and research manager and most recently as a digital business manager. 

“I really got an interest in how we can do things a little more efficiently and use technology out there for benefit,” Houser said. “In 1992, Ag Leader came out with their first monitor, the Yield Monitor 2000, and I really got interested in how mapping across a field could be used both for research and for farmers.”

In his role as digital business manager, Houser worked directly with farmers on optimizing seeding and fertilizer rates.

What is digital ag?

Houser describes digital agriculture as a pathway to ask “why” in an operation — analyzing what works and exploring if there’s a better way to achieve the same goals. 

The most significant impacts, he says, is in addressing labor shortages and reducing costs. 

“If you think about just taking a simple thing like a picture of a field,” he said, “am I seeing insect damage on that field? Am I seeing nitrogen loss? Digital ag is taking things you have that is data and bringing in that information to make better decisions on the farm.”

The ability to solve old problems with new technology offers a major advantage. For instance, what once required a photo from atop a grain bin can now be done more efficiently with a drone.

“Think about in the old days, I would climb up on a grain bin at the very top …, we’d take the old cameras, we’d take that picture of the field, I would then climb down and try to see if I can see things in the field to do crop scouting,” Houser said.

“Now think about that same type of task, except taking up a drone … across the field. Bring that drone down, and you have the software to analyze it …, tell which areas that field might need my attention. Drone technology is really changing the way we do our job.”

Autonomous equipment could soon become commonplace, with tractors and planters maneuvering across fields on their own. 

“Our farmers will be able to get all the groundwork done that needs to be done on the farm” and much more efficiently, Houser said.


Pictured above: The Alliant Energy Agriculture Innovation Lab was unveiled in December 2024 at the Iowa State University Research Park. The lab provides space for the Digital Ag Innovation Team. PHOTO COURTESY OF IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY

Digital Innovation Lab

Houser collaborates closely with ISU’s Digital Ag Innovation Lab, which showcases the latest advancements in digital ag technology. 

The lab brings together ag engineers and specialists to partner with companies that have digital expertise, speeding up the development and implementation of new technologies.

“So think about from precision and digital agriculture to data analytics and machine learning … This group has an entire team of agronomists, machine learning, ag engineers all in one building that can help companies develop, research and deliver technologies faster than anybody else out there,” Houser said.

For farmers, ISU also offers programs like Planter University, held in February, which helps operators optimize their planting set-ups. 

The program has been well received, and additional workshops are being developed for combines, sprayers, spreaders and drones.

Houser’s goal is to engage with farmers, agronomists, ag retailers and equipment dealers to advance agriculture. His role allows him to witness ideas grow from concept to research and development. 

“Then it’s easier for me to go out in the field and talk about something when I get to see it from conception to delivery,” Houser said.

Through his Extension role, Houser brings timely information to Iowa’s farmers, coaching them to start by gaining a high-level understanding of the available technologies.

“I have many farmers say …, with my years of experience in farming, I’m not sure I’m really into that,” Houser explained. 

“My advice to them is just to understand the technology first. Don’t have to invest in it … Understand the ins and outs … of what may or may not work on an operation.”