Digital Agriculture Tools using Remote Sensing in June and July, 2025

6th Grain (6G), a leader in remote sensing and decision support tools for agriculture, and the University of Maryland the Department of Geographical Sciences, are offering a comprehensive training program relevant to decision makers, government agencies, private sector companies and others. This program combines foundational knowledge of remote sensing with a practical, hands-on exploration of 6th Grain’s digital tools which can be used for crop health monitoring and improved decision making.

Using a NASA TOPS funded set of modules on open climate science, the program introduces participants to the critical role of remote sensing and satellite-based vegetation health data in agricultural monitoring, which can identify crop stress early, optimize inputs, and improve yields. Through interactive sessions, live demonstrations, and practical exercises, participants will learn to analyze crop health using satellite imagery and apply the insights directly to their operations. Agricultural cooperatives will gain actionable skills to improve resource allocation, reduce costs, and enhance sustainability—contributing to a more productive and efficient agricultural system.

Objectives

The primary objective of this program is to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to leverage remote sensing and digital models to provide decision-relevant tools for smarter agricultural management. Participants will be introduced to the fundamentals of remote sensing, including how the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) is calculated and its role in measuring vegetation health. They will also gain hands-on experience navigating the 6G platform, using its features to digitize fields, add farmer and field information, analyze crop performance, map productivity zones, and optimize resource use. By the end of the training, participants will have a clear understanding of how to apply these tools to detect crop stress early, reduce input costs, and improve overall yield outcomes.

This program aims to empower cooperatives with practical solutions that address real-world agricultural challenges, ensuring they can make data-driven decisions that enhance productivity and sustainability.

Training Agenda

6th Grain is offering a 5 day/1 week program and a 10 day/2 week program held fourhours per day in collaboration with the Department of Geographical Sciences,University of Maryland College Park in June and July 2025. We will also have one professional talk per day from the Department.

We will run one and two week courses continuously from June 16 through July 18, 2025. Please indicate which week you prefer for your reservation. Each institution participating in the course will get a pilot software platform for digital agriculture needs.

Contact Information

Please confirm your participation by email. Contact person: Dr. Molly Brown, mbrown@6grain.com

Training contents you can find here