Michigan, renowned for its agricultural diversity, produces an array of commodities, notably specialty crops like fruits, vegetables, and nursery plants. However, the sector is currently navigating through labor-related challenges, with the cost of foreign labor on the rise and a scarcity of domestic labor. This situation has prompted some growers to reconsider their crop choices or contemplate exiting the industry.
In response, Michigan State University (MSU) is pioneering technological advancements to mitigate these challenges. Yuzhen Lu, an assistant professor at MSU's Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, has secured a $197,000 grant from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture's Hatch Multistate Research Fund to develop a vision-guided, selective harvesting mechanism for green asparagus, a leading crop in Michigan.
The asparagus industry, critical for Michigan, faces significant labor costs, constituting up to 55% of total production expenses. The mechanization efforts by Lu and his team aim to reduce these costs by automating the selective harvesting process, which has traditionally been labor-intensive and costly.
The proposed technology utilizes a 3D camera and a vision-guided system to identify mature asparagus spears for harvesting, ensuring that immature spears are not damaged. This approach aims to replicate the decision-making process of human pickers, focusing on spear length and shape to maintain yield efficiency.
Additionally, Lu has received funding for a project aimed at enhancing blueberry production in Michigan. A $200,000 grant will support the development of a mobile machine vision system for in-orchard management, enabling growers to assess the maturity and count of blueberries using a smartphone app. This technology promises to streamline the harvesting process by providing accurate, timely data on crop readiness.
These initiatives underscore MSU's commitment to supporting Michigan's agricultural sector through innovative solutions to contemporary challenges, aiming to sustain the industry's long-term viability amidst labor shortages and rising costs.
Source: MSU