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Kevin Hursh, P.Ag. Kevin Hursh is one of the country’s leading agricultural commentators. He is an agrologist, journalist and farmer.
Kevin and his wife Marlene run Hursh Consulting & Communications based in Saskatoon. They also own and operate a farm near Cabri in southwest Saskatchewan growing a wide variety of crops.
Kevin writes for a number of agricultural publications and serves as executive director for the Canary Seed Development Commission of Saskatchewan and the Inland Terminal Association of Canada (ITAC).
Twitter: @KevinHursh1
Technological Obstacles
Just before seeding, I attended a venture capital summit in Silicon Valley. While many of the venture capital pitches featured amazing technological advances, they were trumped by the reality of seeing driverless cars operating in San Francisco.
We’ve all heard about driverless cars, but it was still somewhat startling to be in a jurisdiction where you share the road with them. Once our Uber driver pointed them out, they were easy to spot with their sensor on the roof and of course if you got close enough you’d see someone in the back seat, but no human driving.
Elements of driverless cars, such as lane departure alerts have been adopted in many new vehicles. I’m old enough to remember when cruise control first became available in cars. How technology has advanced since then.
Futurists predict that farming operations will eventually move to small autonomous units monitored remotely. However, it’s hard to believe that the current fleet of large horsepower tractors and huge seeding equipment will be obsolete any time soon.
While fully autonomous operation is becoming possible, many things can go wrong that monitors will not capture. Here’s a case in point.
This spring, we had one of the seeding assemblies stick at an elevated position so that it wasn’t following the ground properly. The seed blockage monitor didn’t pick it up because seed was still going out even though it was mainly dribbling on the surface.
A routine visual check eventually caught the problem and it was rectified. However, with crop emergence came the finding that the seeding assembly had been stuck for more acres than expected. Now, we’ll have to see that poorly seeded row in a number of fields all year.
How many of the problems eventually identified by a human will never be identified on an autonomous machine until perhaps the end of the season?
But technology has its limitations. Driverless cars may be relatively safe and reliable in San Francisco, but we won’t likely see them on the back roads of farm country any time soon.
Our seed cart is older, but the seeding and fertilizer rates can be adjusted from the cab. It’s an electric over hydraulic system that’s nice when it’s working. When there are issues, usually electrical, I’ve sometimes wished for an old-fashioned mechanical system with fixed rates.
GPS guidance has become a mainstay on field equipment, but the geomagnetic storm around May 10, 2024, plunged many GPS guidance systems into disarray. If you see a field with seeding misses, as well as overlaps and crooked lines, it was probably seeded May 10.
With labour, especially agricultural labour in short supply, and with field operations becoming more complex, technology will continue to advance. Even old geezers like me have gradually become more tech savvy. As well, technology has become more intuitive.
But technology has its limitations. Driverless cars may be relatively safe and reliable in San Francisco, but we won’t likely see them on the back roads of farm country any time soon.
Another discovery I made while at the venture capital summit is that American agriculture is way ahead of Canada in the use of drones for spraying crops. Adam Bercu, founder and CEO of Guardian Ag, was at the summit with his made-in-theUSA spray drone.
In the U.S., drones can generally be used to apply any product registered for aerial application. Here in Canada, virtually nothing is registered for drone application. While spray drones are being used, it’s technically illegal.
Eventually, we’ll probably catch up with our American neighbours, but it’s not uncommon for Canada to take a more cautious, bureaucratic approach.
At least Canada has finally given its blessing to gene editing for crops with rules that treat gene editing in a similar way to regular plant breeding methods.
Technology not only needs to work and create value, but it needs to have the confidence of the users and the regulators as well as the general public.
The Neilson family: Reid, Anika, Karyn, Lance, Jenna and Blake.
Photography By Dana Hudson Photography
Lance and Karyn Neilson had always thought there had to be a practical way to turn an average heifer into a better breeding cow. So, they contacted their Alma Mater, Olds College, to see if there was any research done on the topic.
“Basically, I was looking for an advantage for our farm,” Lance Neilson says. “I had a feeling there were probably some different things that had been studied in the past.”
He had expected to come away with some useful information from past studies to try out, but didn’t anticipate those initial conversations would lead to involvement in actual research studies at his farm.
Research scientist Dr. Désirée Gellatly at the Olds College Technology Access Centre for Livestock Production (TACLP) put together a two-year study that aimed to investigate the effect of relieving handling stress on reproductive efficiency in beef heifers. Previous studies had shown that stressed or excitable animals reduced their feed intake, while cortisol (stress hormone) levels often increased, which can have a negative effect on fertility. The main goal of Gellatly’s study, which took place at the Neilson’s farm, was to assess a low-cost strategy called handling acclimation on the stress and pregnancy rates of Angus crossbred heifers aged between 13 and 16 months.
“Firstly, we ran all 200 heifers through the handling system and took saliva samples to get a cortisol level reading from them. We also assigned them a temperament score based on how they acted in the squeeze and how fast they exited the squeeze,” Neilson says.
The heifers were then divided into two groups. The first group served as the control group, which meant the heifers were fed from a feed truck for the remainder of the study and not exposed to handling acclimation prior to breeding.
The second group was exposed to handling acclimation. It began with the same handler entering the pens for five days and adopting a soft-spoken approach while pail-feeding the heifers a small amount of grain. Subsequently, the heifers in this group were put through the handling system multiple times and held in the squeeze a little longer each time.
“The first time, we let them just pass right through, the second time we held them for five seconds and the third time for 15 seconds,” Neilson says. “After they exited the squeeze, we gave them all a little grain as a treat and then put them back in their pen. We repeated that three times, every two days.”
Once the handling acclimation period was completed, all the animals from both groups were brought together again. They were bred, pastured together and treated exactly the same from that time on.
Better conception rates
The heifers’ cortisol levels were checked at various times throughout the experimental period, with the last test done about four months after breeding on pregnancy check day. The experiment was repeated in the second year with a new group of heifers.
In the first year of the study, the acclimated heifers showed a 2.23 per cent increase in pregnancy rates compared to the control group, but in the second year, with a new group of heifers, that increase rose to 10.84 per cent. As well, the heifers that had been acclimated were 7.5 times more likely to become pregnant than the control heifers. Overall, all the acclimated heifers showed significantly lower cortisol concentrations due to reduced stress at handling.
Although the study didn’t track it, the Neilsons had 100 per cent conception rates on the acclimated animals in their second breeding season as well.
Although the increase in fertility was the ultimate goal of the study (and the most important outcome for the Neilsons), what they also found interesting was the effect on the animal’s behaviour when they had to move or sort them.
“We didn’t really think about that beforehand, because that wasn’t the goal of the project, but it was something that presented itself to us the next year as we were calving them out and dealing with them,” he says. “We had fairly quiet cows already, but it just made those acclimated heifers even easier to manage. If we had to bring one into the barn to help for whatever reason, we could tell the difference. They didn’t have that nervousness to them. They were calm and didn’t wreck up the straw, the pen stayed drier, and the newborn calf had a much better scenario.”
Passing the reasonability test
Something Neilson says he appreciated about working with Olds College’s TACLP was their understanding that anything they tried, even on an experimental basis, needed to be practical for a busy farm.
“Running 100 heifers through [the chute] in 20 minutes, that’s practical enough to implement on anybody’s farm, that’s not a difficult task,” he says. “Everything has to run through the reasonability test first; it has to be practical to implement on a full-scale farm in a reasonable way.”
For the last three years, the Neilsons have been involved in another research study with Olds College, where they massage a group of calves at birth and compare their performance against calves in a control group that weren’t massaged.
“For every second heifer or bull calf born, we massage them from their tail up to their head for about one minute just
Karyn and Lance Neilson.
Anika, Reid, Blake and Jenna Neilson.
before we tag them at a day old,” he says. “After 10 to 20 seconds you’ll see the calf relax, their muscles stop being so tense and their tails start wagging.”
Although the data is still being compiled, after year one, the results clearly showed improvements in weight gain at weaning and less sickness in the massaged versus un-massaged calves.
All part of the best practices package
None of these practices are a silver bullet though, Neilson warns. Rather, they are just processes that form part of an overall low-stress handling program.
“If you are doing this acclimation process with these heifers, but then you’re just a very aggressive, high-stress handler in every other aspect, or if you tag your calves and massage them, but then you handle them aggressively afterwards, I don’t think you will see much improvement,” he says. “These are all part of a best practices way of doing things.”
The success of the research project has prompted the Neilsons to permanently adopt handling acclimation protocols for all the cattle they raise on their farm, and over the last three years they have had a 100 per cent pregnancy rate.
It has also led them to start a side business where they custom feed and acclimate heifers for other beef producers who are seeing similar results.
“We have one customer that jumped on and believed in the method right at the beginning and he’s never had an open heifer that’s been through our program, even as they get into their third or fourth calves,” Neilson says.
“Running 100 heifers through [the chute] in 20 minutes, that’s practical enough to implement on anybody’s farm, that’s not a difficult task. Everything has to run through the reasonability test first; it has to be practical to implement on a full-scale farm in a reasonable way.”
- Lance Neilson
Neilson believes there are many benefits, beyond the measurable ones, to being involved in these types of on-farm research projects, but warns it can become addictive.
“We have changed a lot since we got involved with this research, and although we thought we had a pretty low-stress environment beforehand, we have become a lot better,” Neilson says. “The benefits go beyond what you expect at the start and as you start to see the results, you want to keep pushing forward and keep the improvements flowing.”
Scan to view the detailed exhibitor map.
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Unlock the Future of Agriculture at AgSmart 2024
Revolutionizing farming through technology and data
Attention all crop and livestock producers! Mark your calendars for July 30 and 31, and make your way to Olds College of Agriculture & Technology for AgSmart 2024, the premier educational expo that promises to transform and transition your farming operation. This year’s expo is set to be bigger and better than ever, offering an unparalleled opportunity to delve into the latest advancements in agricultural technology and data-driven farming practices.
AgSmart 2024 is designed with the modern farmer in mind, aiming to provide the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in today’s competitive agricultural landscape. Here’s a glimpse of what awaits you at this year’s event:
Comprehensive Educational Sessions
Prepare to be enlightened by 40 educational sessions led by industry experts. These sessions will cover a wide range of topics crucial to both crop and livestock producers. From adoption of genomic tools and digital governance to the latest in ag-tech innovations and data analytics, these sessions are tailored to equip you with practical insights and actionable strategies.
Learn more about how to use AI to make better farm decisions or the role of bio stimulants in sustainable crop production or the importance of digitization. Whether you’re a seasoned farmer or just starting out, these sessions are invaluable for staying ahead of the curve.
Interactive Exhibits
Over 100 interactive exhibits will be on display, showcasing the latest products and services from leading companies in the agricultural sector. This is your chance to get hands-on experience with the newest tools and technologies designed to make your farming operations more efficient and profitable.
Engage with experts, ask questions and see firsthand how these innovations can be integrated into your farming practices. From state-of-the-art equipment and apps to advanced software solutions and sustainable farming inputs, the exhibits at AgSmart will inspire you to take your farm to the next level.
Extensive Crop Plots
For crop producers, AgSmart 2024 offers an extraordinary opportunity to explore over 110 crop plots. These plots provide a real-world showcase of various varieties and products. On July 31, the Alberta Crop Diagnostics Day will be held onsite, in conjunction with AgSmart. This collaborative field day with Alberta Grains, Alberta Pulse Growers and Alberta Canola will feature informative sessions and a variety of demonstration plots showcasing pulse, grains and canola.
Live Demonstrations
One of the highlights of AgSmart is the live demonstrations, where you can witness the latest farming equipment and technologies in action. From field-scale equipment demos and drones to livestock management tools, these demonstrations provide a dynamic and engaging way to understand how these technologies can be applied on your farm. Bushel Plus will be onsite with their Harvest Academy session each day.
Special Events and Networking Opportunities
AgSmart 2024 isn’t just about education and technology; it’s also a fantastic opportunity to network with fellow producers, industry experts and thought leaders. Engage in meaningful conversations, share experiences and build connections that could benefit your business for years to come.
Register now and secure your spot at AgSmart 2024, July 30 and 31 at Olds College. Embrace the future of agriculture and take the next step towards a more productive, sustainable and profitable farming operation. We look forward to seeing you there!
There are a variety of events being held in conjunction with the expo this year.
Ag-tech focused companies are invited to pitch their plan to launch, grow or scale at DiscoveryLab in partnership with AgSmart on July 29. Investors and advisors are welcome to register to hear about the latest discoveries, provide feedback on the plans and network at this inaugural ag tech pitch event at Olds College. A separate ticket is required for the all-day event, which will include refreshments.
A special screening of Farms of the Future, presented by BASF and Richardson Pioneer, will be on the evening of July 29. AgSmart attendees can book their seat when purchasing their ticket. This documentary dives into the past, present and future of agriculture to see how much technology has changed farming since the technological revolution began with the creation of the internet, and how this has helped farmers become more efficient, sustainable and environmentally friendly.
Simmental breeders from around the globe are gathering in the heart of Canadian cattle country for the World Simmental Congress. Their value-packed itinerary includes farm tours, a world-class sale, the Young Canadian Simmental Association’s National Show and insightful technical sessions. Join the delegates at their AgSmart session on July 30.
The social presented by ATB brings together the attendees, exhibitors and speakers for networking while enjoying light refreshments and live entertainment on July 30. These events offer a platform to discuss the future of agriculture, the challenges faced by producers and the innovative solutions that can drive the industry forward.
In addition to their conference activities, OYF outstanding farmer nominees will present at AgSmart on July 30 and 31. All OYF conference registrations include a two-day AgSmart ticket.
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to enhance your farming operations and connect with the broader agricultural community. AgSmart 2024 is more than an expo; it’s a gateway to the future of farming. Whether you’re looking to boost your crop yield, improve livestock management or simply stay informed about the latest trends, AgSmart has something for everyone.
Register now and secure your spot at AgSmart 2024, July 30 and 31 at Olds College. Embrace the future of agriculture and take the next step towards a more productive, sustainable and profitable farming operation. We look forward to seeing you there!
Tickets start at just $45 plus applicable taxes and fees. For more information and to register, visit AgSmartOlds.ca.
INSPIRING A FUTURE WITHOUT WASTE IS A COLLECTIVE EFFORT
Thank you Alberta. By working together, we have diverted over 11.6 million electronic devices, 33.9 million litres of paint, 144.5 million tires, and over 2.0 billion litres of used oil from our landfills. ARMA is now helping to support a government-made Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework that will help reduce waste and advance Alberta’s circular economy. Learn more about recycling at albertarecycling.ca
It’s a fact — you’re an expert. Whether it’s knowledge passed down through generations or just pure hard work, your instincts help you day after day. So does your data. When you collect, reflect and project with software for field and finance, you upgrade what you know. And you know that smart decisions are driven by data. For a fact.
Day 1 - July 30 Educational Sessions
8:30 a.m. Gates Open - Exhibits & Morning Coffee powered by ATB
From Farm to Future: AgTech Opportunities for Canadian Companies in Latin America
Global Affairs Panel
Agriculture Technology Adoption in Canadian Prairies: Insights from the Census Data
Tahmid Huq Easher, Ph.D., Olds College of Agriculture & Technology
10 a.m. Olds College Smart Farm Tour (Limited spots available) - Olds College Tent
Adoption of Genomic Tools Project
John Basarab & Tiago Valente, Livestock Gentec
10
11 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. Seeds of Success: Understanding digital governance and integration to improve operational capability
David Guthrie & Matthew Harrison, KPMG
11:45 a.m.
- 2 p.m. AB/NWT Outstanding Young Farmers Nominee Presentations
Working Together to Build the Future of Ag Tech
Panel Session
N2O and the Chamber(s) of Secrets
Abby Sim, Olds College of Agriculture & Technology
Old McDonald had a Farm AI AI O
Robert Saik, AGvisorPRO
Understanding Cattle Behavior: Insights and Techniques for LowStress Handling
Dr. Désirée Gellatly, Olds College of Agriculture & Technology
Learnings from 35 years of Alberta's Award Winners in Agriculture - An ASTech Award Celebration
Technology Alberta Panel
The Importance of Digitization
FCC AgExpert
2 p.m. Olds College Smart Farm Tour (Limited spots available) - Olds College Tent
3 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. Can Soil Fertility Mapping Affect Management Decisions? Can we Map our Fields More “Efficiently”?
Felippe Karp, Olds College of Agriculture & Technology
From Idea to Impact: Building Startups with Purpose
Panel Discussion
Telling your Story in a Digital World
Shannon Torgerson & Kayla Sarvas, Oh Sheep Sh*t
3:30 p.m. Olds College Smart Farm Tour (Limited spots available) - Olds College Tent
3:45 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Exhibits, Networking
4:30 p.m. Gates Close
Preventing Burnout
Kaitlyn Kitzan, The Do More Agriculture Foundation
Livestock Parasites: A Look Inside
Doug Colwell, LzTC Consulting
Energy Efficient On-Farm Grain Drying Approaches
Dr. Chandra Singh, Lethbridge College
Measuring Environmental, Social and Economic Sustainability in the Canadian Beef Industry
Jenna Sarich, Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef
Validating Rapid OnFarm Nitrate Testing Kits for Improved Forage Management
Laio Silva Sobrinho, Olds College of Agriculture & Technology
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YOUTH
Did you know all youth recieve free tickets to AgSmart courtesy of Brandt? Email us at info@agsmartolds ca for more information and to claim a free ticket code.
1-Day and 2-Day tickets available!
40+ expert educational sessions
Live field demonstrations
100+ interactive exhibits
110+ crop plots
Special events including a crop-focused field day & networking
*plus applicable fees
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Olds College Smart Farm & AgSmart
One of Canada’s Top Five Research Colleges: Olds College of Agriculture & Technology
As technology continues to influence the way we live, work and farm, smart farms and technology development have a critical role to play in the global grand challenge of feeding a growing population with fewer resources while reducing the environmental impact.
Olds College of Agriculture & Technology – one of Canada’s Top Five Research Colleges – is known for high-tech, hands-on agriculture education and innovative applied research that lays the foundation for solving real-world problems in farming, food and land. The Olds College Smart Ag Ecosystem is accelerating the progress and innovation needed to grow Canada’s ag industry – and the Olds College Smart Farm is at the heart of it all.
The Smart Farm is made up of 3,000 acres of farmland, infrastructure and staff experienced in agriculture technology research and development. Olds College Centre for Innovation (OCCI) is the applied research division of the college focusing on practical, industry-driven applied research on the Smart Farm that can be easily implemented by the agriculture industry.
Industry partners connect with OCCI for support in the development and testing of innovative products in the core areas of crop production, livestock production,
environmental stewardship, technology integration and data science/utilization.
The ability to develop, validate and test products using technology and applied research in real agriculture settings continues to bring new projects to the Smart Farm. Read about a few ongoing applied research projects.
Threshold UAV Drone Rock Mapping
Rocks from cultivated fields can cause damage to farm equipment like combines and forage harvesters. A large number of producers pick rocks from their fields to mitigate equipment damage, but this process can be time consuming and rocks might be missed. OCCI along with Threshold UAV will be flying multiple drones at the same time (swarm drones) on the Smart Farm during the 2024 growing season to locate rocks. The processed drone data will be used to create a rock map of the field. OCCI will verify the rock map created via field scouting to validate the use of swarm drones for rock mapping.
Precision Planting Field Trials
OCCI is working alongside Trochu Motors and Precision Planting to compare the agronomic and economic impact of using a precision planter compared to a conventional air seeder during canola seeding in a field trial. A precision
planter places individual seeds, which could help with seed-to-soil contact. An air seeder uses a fan to spread seeds. Using a paired sampling method, numerous crop assessments like compaction, germination, plant competition, soil moisture, soil temperature, insect pressure and disease pressure will take place throughout the growing season.
On-Farm Precision Experimentation
OCCI and Alberta Grains are collaborating with producer partners to introduce a new on-farm research method in central Alberta. The project uses the On-Farm Precision Experimentation methodology defined by Data-Intensive Farm Management, focusing on different wheat seed and nitrogen rates over two years.
The Data-Intensive Farm Management platform uses machine learning to plan and analyze field-scale Latin square or checkerboard plot trials, providing insights into crop yield responses. The Data-Intensive Farm Management project is led by Dr. David Bullock from the University of Illinois, who has been conducting field trials using this method since 2016.
AgExpert Field
OCCI is working with AgExpert and Farm Credit Canada
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(FCC) to evaluate farm accounting software using data from the Smart Farm. AgExpert has been helping farmers in various agriculture and food sectors for over two decades. AgExpert Field and AgExpert Accounting software were created to help farmers digitize their records.
BioScout – Identify and Quantify Disease Spores BioScout is an Australian company with a specialized device designed to identify and quantify disease spores. PanCanadian Smart Farm Network members are conducting a multi-year project with BioScout to sample this revolutionary technology and help improve BioScout for use in western Canadian agriculture.
Network members will work to: (1) determine how BioScout can aid in the fungicide decision-making process in Western Canada regarding identification of disease, quantification of spore load and prescribed timing of fungicide application; (2) identify how BioScout contributes to enhancing pesticide stewardship within western Canadian agriculture operations; and (3) evaluate the impact of the BioScout device within various crop types available across the Pan-Canadian Smart Farm Network.
The BioScout unit provides a unique opportunity to increase the efficiency of fungicide application. The data collected by the device allows producers to make effective and sustainable spraying decisions, which are reflective of field conditions.
Combyne Ag
OCCI is teaming up with Combyne Ag to evaluate its software for farmers. Combyne is a crop marketing management tool, which focuses on marketable crop inventories and recordkeeping. The program merges projected and harvested yield with contract, delivery and settlement recordkeeping into one platform. This helps farmers make informed decisions when it comes to price, risk, cash flow and profitability.
Visit Olds College and the Smart Farm on July 30 and 31, 2024 during AgSmart – a two-day educational expo focused on data and technology in the agriculture sector. This annual event allows the college and Smart Farm to showcase research activities to producers, students and the agriculture industry, and highlight why it is one of Canada’s Top Five Research Colleges. AgSmart features educational sessions from industry experts about technology and data in the ag industry, demonstrations from drones and agricultural equipment, and exhibits focused on ag tech products and services.
Join a Smart Farm tour and visit the Olds College tent during AgSmart to see how research projects are integrated into the farming operations to help producers make informed decisions about implementing technology in their own operations.
Stay up-to-date with research findings and results from the Olds College Smart Farm at oldscollege.ca/smartfarm.
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EVERY BOOT TELLS A STORY
Farming and ranching are part of an incredibly diverse and demanding industry filled with some of the most hardworking and resilient people. At AFSC, we want to celebrate the agriculture industry by sharing stories of the drive, dedication and determination of Alberta producers.
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DiscoveryLab Excited to Hear Pitches at AgSmart
By Nerissa McNaughton
The AgSmart Educational Expo takes place on July 30 and 31, 2024, and excitement is high regarding the event. Not only will like-minded individuals come together for education, interactive exhibits and networking, DiscoveryLab will be on site to hear pitches and to support connections among advisors and investors.
DiscoveryLab was started by Michael Overduin. “I saw that it was difficult for entrepreneurs and startups to find the expertise they needed in Alberta, the U.K. and the U.S. – it is not a straight road and it is full of challenges, especially in the early days. As an academic, I saw how I could help.”
DiscoveryLab was established to support the growth of startup companies, disruptive innovations and scalable products with global impact. In 2016, a group of 36 lab heads and leaders from TEC Edmonton and the NRC in NANUC (National High Field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Centre) identified barriers faced by researchers in commercializing their discoveries. This led to meetings where researchers pitched plans and received expert guidance.
Inspired by Science Capital meetings in the U.K., DiscoveryLab aimed to facilitate the transition of novel technologies to global markets. Over time, a network of 270 experts joined to offer support.
In 2015, Overduin moved the operations to establish
Edmonton as DiscoveryLab’s base. He then secured awards from the Canada Foundation for Innovation, Alberta Innovates and the Province of Alberta to expand its interests. They organized federal leaders and mayoral candidate forums to engage with political leaders, signalling a commitment to further assist entrepreneurs and innovators.
“We invite speakers and share stories at no cost to help drive attention to great ideas being taken to market and we facilitate networking,” summarizes Overduin.
Today, a very large part of DiscoveryLab’s operations involves organizing or attending events where presenters pitch their business plans to a panel of advisors, industry experts and investors. These events help entrepreneurs and thought leaders commercialize new technologies and high-value research products and services.
Presenters are required to submit a business plan summary and slide deck that includes information such as:
• Their unique edge
• Market position
• Team
• Intellectual property
• Business strategy
“We invite speakers and share stories at no cost to help drive attention to great ideas being taken to market and we facilitate networking.” - Michael Overduin
• Products/services
• Investment desired
• Time frame for delivery
The presentations are evaluated on various criteria such as presentation style, business plan, summary and team qualities. Presenters receive valuable feedback, scorecards, a video of their pitch and access to advisors for business development, industry connections and investment. Remote presenters are welcome to participate and anyone can offer to co-organize or host an event with DiscoveryLab.
Overduin and his team are looking forward to hearing pitches at AgSmart. “We want everyone to feel welcome, be it a student or a CEO,” he says. “We currently have about a dozen
“This is very beneficial because the world is stressed in many ways that includes needing quality food and water. Through agriculture and technology, Alberta can help provide this, innovate new ways to grow and source foods, and share those innovations and technology where needed.” - Michael Overduin
pitches coming in from companies at the forefront of the agricultural technology and stories directly from people forming and leading companies. This is not just about a sales pitch – DiscoveryLab will also hear about the team’s struggles and what they have to offer in terms of products and services. We want to hear all the stories and about their experience –the good and the bad. Here at DiscoveryLab, we know how hard it is for entrepreneurs and startups to break into the industry. It’s a very large and varied landscape with plenty of government regulations. We are happy to help them make connections and leverage the latest tools and technology.”
DIGITAL AG TECH DIRECTORY
Our digital ag tech directory is designed to assist in the connection between ag tech organizations and producers. The interactive listings include educational features and special ag tech offers for producers.
Overduin is excited about the trajectory of agricultural innovation in Alberta. “Ag is one of those spaces where Canada leads globally and Alberta leads in Canada,” he shares. “This is very beneficial because the world is stressed in many ways that includes needing quality food and water. Through agriculture and technology, Alberta can help provide this, innovate new ways to grow and source foods, and share those innovations and technology where needed.”
He concludes by encouraging everyone to come out and enjoy AgSmart and if you are an entrepreneur or innovator with a pitch, be sure to get in touch.
“Registration is free and easy. Go to our website and register for free to present virtually or in person. We can accommodate anyone in the world; we have teams coming to AgSmart from across the globe. It will be a great experience. Virtual presenters get 10 minutes with the panel and investors. In-person teams will have more time for feedback. Guests can look forward to lots of opportunities to meet up with people, learn, share and network. Anyone looking for a job or connections should come to AgSmart.”
Learn more about DiscoveryLab online at https://www. discoverylab.ca and learn more about the expo at www.agsmartolds.ca.
Local Crop Plots Have a Global Impact
By Nerissa McNaughton
In today’s interconnected world, agricultural food scarcity and poor growing conditions pose significant challenges with far-reaching global impacts. The struggle to meet the rising demand for food due to a growing population, coupled with adverse weather conditions, soil degradation, water scarcity and limited access to resources, has led to disruptions in food production worldwide. This issue not only affects food security but also contributes to economic instability, social unrest and environmental degradation on a global scale. Addressing these challenges requires innovative solutions, sustainable farming practices and international cooperation to ensure a more resilient and secure food supply for all.
Naturally, Alberta is up for the challenge. At the AgSmart Educational Expo, running July 30 and 31, 2024, guests will not only interact with some of the ag industry’s greatest minds and view innovative solutions and products, they will also have a chance to see – and learn from – crop plots that are part of the new collaborative field day called Alberta Crop Diagnostics Day.
Jeremy Boychyn, director of research, agronomy and extension at Alberta Grains, explains, “These are diagnostic crop plots where people can learn about agronomic considerations in their region. Our crop plots are part of a larger, collaborative approach. The plots at AgSmart take place in collaboration with Olds College, Alberta Pulse
“We are hitting a variety of concerns with these diagnostic plots, including fungicide timing management, pulse cropping options, weed management and more. Some of the plots will include research led by Olds College researchers such as biological control for pests, triticale and barley breeding programs as well as the future technology of spot spraying.”
- Jeremy Boychyn
Growers and the Alberta Canola Producers Commission. In addition to the Olds/AgSmart location, the demonstration plots also occur with additional partners, including Lakeland
College and SARDA Ag Research. All the crops are similar, while accounting for some variables based on the different locations.”
Boychyn continues, “We are hitting a variety of concerns with these diagnostic plots, including fungicide timing management, pulse cropping options, weed management and more. Some of the plots will include research led by Olds College researchers such as biological control for pests, triticale and barley breeding programs as well as the future technology of spot spraying.”
The crop plots have a far greater reach than Alberta.
“These crop plots play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between research investments and practical implementation for producers in Western Canada,” says Boychyn. “Producers invest substantial resources in research, spanning crop management, breeding and more, aiming to advance the industry. However, translating this valuable information to farmers and agronomists is crucial for progress in Alberta and Western Canada. By offering a collaborative platform that facilitates the interpretation of research outcomes and addresses pressing questions, these Alberta Crop Diagnostic Days allow us to share the realworld implications of research findings. This empowers
“Is Alberta a leader in global agriculture? Definitely! Alberta and Western Canada are known for very collaborative research approaches. We lead the approach for ensuring research is being conducted for the progress of both farmers and industry.”
- Jeremy Boychyn
producers to make informed decisions that drive sustainability and optimize their growing practices. By extending the reach of research funding from Western Canada into the hands of those who can directly benefit from it, these crop plots serve as a catalyst for innovation and agricultural advancement in the region.”
He knows, however, that what happens in Alberta – and even in Canada – benefits the world.
“Is Alberta a leader in global agriculture? Definitely! Alberta and Western Canada are known for very collaborative research approaches. We lead the approach for ensuring research is being conducted for the progress of both farmers and industry. It is great work and wonderful to see how our
collaboration has such a positive effect on farmers. Alberta is an example of how Western Canada can be a leader for the industry’s global potential.”
The impact of grains produced in Alberta cannot be understated. Canola production in Alberta is a key contributor to the economy. Even with a slight production decrease of 3.5 per cent in 2023, at 5.4 million tonnes produced last year, canola remains a mainstay in local agriculture, exports, retail and employment.
Topping canola production is wheat, which reached 9.3 million tonnes in 2023. Wheat continues to play a vital role in supporting local food supply chains and livestock feed requirements, in addition to driving economic growth.
Canadian crops across the board – including wheat, canola, barley and oats – witnessed notable fluctuations and in some cases, notable declines in recent years. With Alberta being a significant contributor to the production of staple grains locally and abroad, the global market dynamics for these commodities are influenced by the region’s output levels. Changes in production volumes can impact global prices and trade patterns, affecting both producers and consumers worldwide. This underscores the necessity of continuing to research and develop hearty crops that can thrive through a number of adverse growing factors – something that Alberta Grains’ crop plots aim to achieve. Thankfully, Statistics Canada forecasts a healthy increase in canola production in Alberta, signifying that conditions, in conjunction with research, development and other innovations, are paying off.
Boychyn concludes, speaking to the opportunity for guests of AgSmart to see the crop plots firsthand, “We are very excited to have this collaboration and to work with great partners in Alberta. We look forward to having farmers come out, see the plots, see the work being done and take that information back to their own farms.”
Learn more about Alberta Grains online at www.albertagrains. com and visit www.agsmartolds.ca to learn more about the upcoming expo.
If you have deregistered, expired or inherited pesticides or old farm animal medications, please store and then bring to a Cleanfarms event for safe disposal.
ELIGIBLE MATERIALS
• Agricultural/ Commercial Pesticides: old, obsolete, or unwanted pesticides with a Pest Control Product (PCP) Number on the label.
• Animal health meds: anything with a Drug Identification Number on label.
PREP STEPS
1. GATHER – Unwanted ag pesticides & obsolete animal health medications.
2. PLACE – In a sealable or spill-proof container.
3. RETURN – Check Cleanfarms.ca to find where & when you can return eligible products to a collection site in Fall 2024.
