(Courtesy photo)

FUN FACT: Stuffing/dressing is the most popular Thanksgiving side dish in Michigan according to Campbell’s Company.

Hey, it’s JB!

Wayne State University was recently granted $749,991 from the US Department of Agriculture that it plans to use to start a summer camp for students to learn how to use data science and artificial intelligence in agriculture. 

The intention is to train about 200 Michigan middle and high school students to better understand how to keep people fed in a world constantly shifting under climate change. The amount of farmable land per person is projected to decrease by two-thirds by 2050, according to a news release announcing the funding.

“There are significant concerns that we may not be producing enough food to meet future global demands,” said Sara Masoud, WSU’s lead for the project. 

“Smart agriculture” which uses technology like sensors, drones, and AI to improve efficiency and yields is a promising solution, she said. “However, its widespread adoption is limited due to cost and skill gaps,” she said, requiring expanded education about data science and agriculture. 

The summer camp will include classroom sessions, hands-on activities like planting, coding lessons and field trips to local smart agriculture facilities. 

Learn more online at WSU’s website.

Dig In, 
JB


  • Cass Corridor’s 8 Degrees Plato announced it’s permanently closing its doors Dec. 31.
  • A new entertainment hub for the LGBTQ+ community, Arcenciel, that includes a dance hall, sports lounge, and upscale restaurant is now open on Livernois and Chalfonte.

The weekly schedule of pop-ups, food events and more:

JB at Duly’s Place, 5458 Vernor Hwy, with a vegetable omelette and potatoes. Credit: Arpon

Jena is BridgeDetroit's environmental reporter, covering everything from food and agricultural to pollution to climate change. She was a 2022 Data Fellow at the USC Annenberg Center for Health Journalism...