By Blake Jackson
Since its launch in January, Penn State Extension’s AI-powered assistant, Tilva, has answered more than 40,000 user questions, helping farmers, educators, agribusiness professionals, and others access trusted, research-based information.
Recent updates have expanded the platform’s capabilities, allowing users to continue conversations in English or Spanish while connecting them with additional educational resources.
Designed to support Pennsylvania agriculture and beyond, Tilva provides 24/7 assistance on topics including crop production, pest management, horticulture, natural resources, soil health, food systems, and even youth development and wellness. Users can ask questions or upload photos to receive science-based guidance backed by Penn State Extension expertise.
“Tilva also provides answers well beyond traditional agricultural production issues, supporting Extension’s broad mission to serve the citizens of the commonwealth,” said Troy Ott, Peter and Ann Tombros Dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences.
“From youth development, natural resource management, diet, health and many other topics, Tilva provides answers that Pennsylvanians can trust.”
Although the platform is tailored for Pennsylvania, users from 152 countries have already accessed the service.
“While Tilva is being designed to ensure it’s ideal for Pennsylvania, it’s been encouraging to see people from around the world engage with extension resources through Tilva,” said Jeffrey Hyde, director of Extension and associate dean in the college.
New features encourage users to explore topics more deeply by suggesting follow-up questions, recommending Penn State Extension publications, workshops, online courses, and newsletters, and offering direct access to Extension experts for additional support.
“I think the most useful aspect is that unlike other AI models that pull random information from the internet, Tilva cites reviewed information and articles from Penn State Extension,” Justin Clapper, assistant director of development and sponsorship for Pennsylvania Farm Bureau and a board member of the Penn State Ag Council said.
“It also recommends other extension articles and resources for you to pursue and dig deeper into a topic if needed. You can trust the information is accurate.”
Powered by PlantVillage technology and supported by more than 260 Extension educators across Pennsylvania, Tilva will continue expanding its features while maintaining trusted, science-based guidance for users.
Photo Credit: michael-houtz
Categories: Pennsylvania, Education