Microsoft and National FFA Expand FarmBeats for Students Program Nationwide to Empower Future Farmers with AI and Smart Sensors

Microsoft and the National FFA (Future Farmers of America) Organization have announced a major nationwide expansion of their innovative FarmBeats for Students program, now available to FFA chapters in 185 middle and high schools across all 50 states. This cutting-edge educational initiative integrates smart sensors, data science, and artificial intelligence (AI) to teach precision agriculture in classrooms, preparing the next generation of farmers and agricultural leaders with vital technology skills.

FarmBeats for Students

The program provides free classroom kits containing ready-to-use environmental sensor systems and a comprehensive curriculum designed for teachers and students with no prior technical experience required. These kits enable students to build and deploy sensor networks that monitor soil moisture, nutrient deficiencies, and other critical plant health indicators in real time. By leveraging AI, students gain hands-on experience analyzing data and making informed, data-driven decisions to optimize crop growth and resource use.

With agriculture rapidly adopting advanced technologies such as automated tractors, drones, and AI-powered data analysis to maximize yields and adapt to climate variability, FarmBeats for Students offers practical exposure to these innovations. Students can also customize their sensor setups to address region-specific challenges like drought, frost, and pests, fostering problem-solving skills relevant to their local environments.

Mary Snapp, Microsoft’s Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, emphasized the company’s commitment to equipping students and educators with tools essential for success in today’s technology-driven world. “By teaming up with FFA to bring FarmBeats for Students to classrooms nationwide, we hope to inspire the next generation of agriculture leaders and equip them with the skills to tackle any and all challenges as they guide us into the future,” Snapp said.

Christine White, Chief Program Officer of the National FFA Organization, highlighted the partnership’s role in fostering personal and professional growth among students. “Supporting agricultural education and leadership development is crucial for shaping the next generation of innovators and problem solvers. Programs like this equip students with technical knowledge, confidence, and adaptability to thrive in diverse and evolving industries,” White stated. She added that investing in young minds today lays the foundation for a sustainable, innovative, and resilient agricultural future.

Beyond the free kits provided to FFA chapters, teachers, students, and parents interested in FarmBeats for Students can purchase kits for $35. Educators can also access a free comprehensive training course on the Microsoft Educator Learn Center, covering precision agriculture, data science, and AI, with opportunities to earn professional development hours and badges.

FarmBeats for Students was co-developed by Microsoft, the National FFA Organization, and agriculture educators, aligning with AI for K-12 initiative guidelines, Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources career standards, Computer Science Teachers Association standards, and Common Core math standards. This alignment ensures the program supports academic requirements while fostering practical skills.

The program has already made significant impacts in classrooms, with students using micro:bit devices and Microsoft MakeCode to collect and analyze environmental data, gaining insights into plant health and learning how to apply technology to real-world agricultural challenges. Teachers report that students quickly grasp coding and data analysis, often surprising educators with their ease of learning.

FarmBeats for Students exemplifies how technology and agriculture intersect to create educational opportunities that prepare students for a competitive global market. As farming evolves with AI and smart technology, programs like this ensure that American students remain at the forefront of agricultural innovation.

For more information about FarmBeats for Students, visit aka.ms/FBFS.

Just a reminder, teachers, students or parents interested in FarmBeats for Students can purchase a kit for $35 at this link and receive free training at Microsoft Learn.

Other resources

1. FarmBeats for Students YouTube playlist: Visit the FarmBeats for Students YouTube playlist to learn to bring precision agriculture activities into your classroom. These short training videos support classroom implementation. View the playlist.
2. FarmBeats for primary school: Microsoft Dream Space TV Code Green is the latest series from the Dream Space TV crew! This free hands-on educational resource uses FarmBeats for Students and is designed to empower students to take charge of sustainability in their schools using the micro:bit, MakeCode, and basic classroom supplies. Suitable for grades 3rd-6th / ages 8-11. Learn more.
3. Integrate other hands-on STEM projects into your classroom: Try projects such as analyzing windspeed, increasing power with wind turbines, or measuring water quality. Learn more.
4. Use the Excel workbook in Microsoft Teams: Create an assignment (FarmBeats for Students) in Microsoft Teams for Education and assign the Excel workbook to individual or small groups of students in a class. Groups turn in one copy of the assignment that is graded separately or together. Learn how.
5. Go deeper with FarmBeats for Students: For advanced users looking to build off the FarmBeats for Students Raspberry Pi platform, the codebase and technical documentation are available in an open-source repository on GitHub. Access the repository.