Prof. Paul Esker of Penn State University presented a special seminar in FABI on 20 May, “Improving Soybean crop yields based on machine learning and causal models”. His presentation illustrated how harnessing new technologies is providing powerful management and predictive tools for improving crop yields. Prof. Esker is part of a group of academics that are visiting the University of Pretoria to present at the 2^nd Annual International Modelling and Epidemiology Winter School (IMEWS2024) from 20-24 May. They were hosted by the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria in collaboration with the National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment (INRAE), France. The Annual International Modelling and Epidemiology Winter School is aimed at enriching postgraduate students and researchers with modelling and epidemiology expertise, to build scarce skills, enhance the knowledge platform, and expose participants to critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the field of epidemiology.