Reaping the Data Harvest

For Ashley Walgren, cutting-edge work enhanced by machine learning tools is her daily reality, helping her drive sustainability, streamline farming processes and uncover solutions to complex agricultural issues.

Growing up on a farm in southern Ontario, Canada, Walgren has always been deeply connected to agriculture. With a bachelor’s in electrical engineering and a master’s in biology, she now leads sustainability efforts at Gaia Herbs in North Carolina. Her passion for merging technology with farming inspired her to earn an agriculture and data science certificate from NC State University in 2024.

And she did it all online.

The program’s distance format caters to nontraditional students working full time or already in the industry. It connects post-baccalaureate and graduate students with backgrounds in agriculture, food or life sciences seeking data management skills with those in computer science, math or statistics seeking to apply their expertise to agriculture.

Research Assistant Professor Daniela Jones developed the 12-credit certificate program to bridge the data science and agriculture gap. Jones believes graduates with this dual training can tackle some of agriculture’s biggest challenges.

Graduates who specialize in agricultural operations will gain experience analyzing, manipulating, pooling and applying big datasets to crops and field operations. Those who work in data science will improve their skills in dealing with the agricultural sector.

Data Science Skills Make the Difference

Housed within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative program equips graduate students with skills in data-driven decision-making and empowers professionals like Walgren to drive meaningful change in sustainable agriculture.

“I’ve learned how to tackle some of the complexities in agriculture and use data-driven tools like modeling, visualization and machine learning to make more informed decisions so we have sustainable agriculture for the future,” she says.

Machine learning is an AI process where computer systems identify patterns in data to make or improve decisions and predictions without explicit programming.

At Gaia Herbs, Walgren applies spatial analytics and predictive modeling to map risks in supply chains. She uses tools like ArcGIS to combine data layers and predict potential disruptions, such as climate-related impacts. This expertise helps Gaia Herbs proactively address risks, prevent stock shortages and ensure resilience — especially critical in the herbal supplement industry, which relies on a global network of farmers.

Walgren’s ability to analyze large data sets in the context of global supply chains and agriculture is a unique asset. “Some people come from more traditional backgrounds in agriculture or data science, but not many merge the two,” she says. 

Her command of machine learning tools has improved her efficiency. “Instead of trying to master coding skills, the AI tools help me find my errors. So now I can focus on the application.”

Walgren’s mixed skill set and ability to integrate advanced data science techniques into agriculture make her a valuable asset in pre-competitive collaborations with other companies. Gaia Herbs and other organizations share knowledge without competing directly, enabling faster progress on solutions that benefit the entire industry and society. “People are interested in hearing case studies about my work; these skills differentiate me.”

Applying Data to Real-World Problems

Walgren worked on a course project developing a machine learning model for analyzing publicly available data comparing conventional and organic crop yields. Using the Random Forest algorithm, she identified variables with the most significant impact on crop yields and determined if conventional systems produced higher yields. 

“The results were surprising and taught me a lot. Most of the work involved cleaning and preparing the data, which is now a big part of my job — synchronizing data to make it usable for predictive analysis. Working with real-world data in this project provided invaluable insights and was one of my most noteworthy educational experiences.”

Using Data to Tell Agricultural Stories

Machine learning tools help Walgren work more efficiently and explain data to people without a technical background, making it easier to connect technical work with real-world use.

She sees data as a powerful tool for telling stories and finding solutions, for example, using data to address agriculturally-related greenhouse gas emissions. “I think data is a way to do this. And we can understand trends quicker with machine learning. Something that would take 10 years can now be done within minutes.”

Walgren has begun applying the skills she gained from the program in her role in sustainability and impact at Gaia Herbs, where she has worked for over six years, but only about a year in her current role. 

“We’ve begun measuring our farm’s carbon emissions and sequestration. By analyzing how different farming practices affect emissions, soil health and biodiversity, we can better understand their impacts,” she says. “With large data sets like weather data, machine learning and data analysis tools are essential to make sense of it all. Combining these data sets will be key to telling a cohesive, insightful story.” 

Cultivating Professional Confidence

The program’s courses offered a balanced mix of theory and hands-on experience, allowing Walgren to work with equally passionate peers and dedicated faculty. 

“The faculty were not only experts in their fields but were also approachable and supportive,” Walgren says. “They were willing to discuss my questions, which I appreciated. Their guidance encouraged me to apply course concepts to real-world problems.”

The program has strengthened her qualifications, particularly in the emerging field of climate-smart agriculture. “The program has made me invaluable in my current role and more competitive in the job market. My ability to conduct data analysis and understand the environmental impact of farming practices has directly contributed to informed decision-making and developing sustainability strategies in my work.” 

Additionally, NC State’s strong connections with industry professionals provided valuable networking opportunities. They offered insight into how companies apply these skills and highlighted potential career prospects. 

An Emerging Field

The ag and data science certificate program produced its first graduates in 2022. As of the 2024 fall semester, the program boasts 10 graduates and 15 enrolled students. 

The distance education component assures the program’s accessibility. Many students work full-time while taking classes. Students can embed the ag and data science certificate into many master’s and doctoral programs, such as crop and soil sciences or animal science. The certificate classes will count toward their degree.

“A big plus of the certificate is that there is a wide range of elective courses that students can pursue depending on their interest,” Jones says.

Walgren agrees that the online program’s flexibility empowers students to cultivate their potential.

“You can start with an agricultural background and focus more on the data science classes, or vice versa. The technical skills and practical knowledge the certificate provides help you understand the material and apply it for meaningful impact,” says Walgren. “If you’re passionate about using data science to solve agricultural challenges, this certificate can help you level up.”

This post was originally published in College of Agriculture and Life Sciences News.