# Keynote Case Study: United Suppliers Technology Exchange — The World’s Oldest Profession Keeps Learning New Tricks
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At the 2017 Technology Exchange in New Orleans, futurist Jim Carroll spoke to roughly 300 farmers about the big trends redefining agriculture and why growers remain among the most open and innovative audiences he works with. The World's Oldest Profession Keeps Learning New Tricks Farmers make decisions amid uncertain weather, markets and science while continually evaluating new technologies and methods. Jim's keynote made the case that farmers thrive by staying open to new ideas, new technologies and new methodologies — and that innovation is the discipline of moving forward before the forecast, the market or the technology is perfect. Six trends are shaping that shift. Take Informed Risks. Action cannot wait for every variable to become known. Decisions move forward with the best evidence available. Expect Uncertainty. Unpredictable scenarios are part of the operating environment, not an exception to it. Try New Technology. A willingness to explore new tools keeps the operation connected to emerging opportunity. Change The Method. New methodologies matter as much as new machines because process innovation compounds over time. Learn From Others. Collaboration and shared experience help turn experimentation into faster practical learning. Focus On Growth. The future remains an opportunity to improve yield, efficiency and resilience rather than something to fear. Farmers innovate because they have to, Jim told the Technology Exchange audience: they test, adapt and move forward without perfect information. It's a lesson in innovation that applies well beyond the farm gate. Explore more keynote case studies.

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Source: https://jimcarroll.com/2017/12/united-suppliers-techexchange-2017-past/