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Olds College, which recently acquired a self-driving DOT Power Platform, is a leading proponent of smart ag technology. Experts say next-generation technology could help Alberta rebuild its economy but investment dollars could be hard to come by post-pandemic.
Equipment, News

Will we seize the day when it comes to smart ag technology?

Investing in next-generation agriculture would pay big dividends, but investment dollars will be in short supply

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The pandemic has revealed critical weaknesses in the country’s agriculture and food systems — and the need to invest in their future, say experts. “It’s continuing to show the importance of technology, and adopting technology, on the farm,” said Remi Schmaltz, CEO and co-founder of Decisive Farming, an Alberta digital ag and farm management company. […] Read more
Sales of new tractors and combines “spiked quite nicely” two years ago but are now falling as farmers grapple with lower commodity prices and sharply higher equipment costs.
Equipment, News

Pricey farm machinery and soft commodity prices don’t add up

Sales plunge as farm equipment prices and grain prices head in opposite directions

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Farm equipment sales in Canada dropped off significantly last year as farmers faced bad weather and even worse commodity prices. “In short, (equipment sales) are not good. There’s no way to sugarcoat it,” said Curt Blades, senior vice-president of agricultural services for the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. “Net farm income in Canada is down pretty […] Read more
Today’s drones are great at selecting pastures and tracking cattle, can read an ear tag from 70 metres up, and offer spectral imaging a hundred times more powerful than satellites, says researcher John Church. And while they’re not good at herding, drone technology is close to offering health assessments of individual cows.
Equipment, News

Plunging prices and better tech should put drones on your radar

Drones with sophisticated imaging tech can be robust precision tools for managing cattle on pasture

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Producers are always being pitched new technology, and the marketing din is arguably louder than ever in this age of precision agriculture. So when producers ask if unmanned aerial vehicles are just expensive toys, it’s a fair question. While John Church would be the first to admit he has a lot of fun researching the […] Read more
Kicking tires on shiny new iron is a favourite pastime at Agri-Trade.
Equipment, News

Less is proving to be more at Agri-Trade Equipment Expo

The change to a three-day format proved to be a success as the show continues to hit the high notes

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It was a major change, but Agri-Trade’s switch to a three-day format proved to be a success. “That was a real positive move,” said Dave Fiddler, manager of the Red Deer ag equipment expo. The move to a three-day format (from four previously) was exhibitor driven, with most wanting to be away from home for […] Read more
A HydraGEN unit reduces carbon emissions from diesel engines while boosting fuel efficiency, says its maker.
Equipment, News

The heat is on for innovation award contestants at Agri-Trade

The Red Deer show is using a ‘Dragons’ Den’ approach to pick the winner of its Ag Innovation award

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Showcasing agriculture innovations has long been one of Agri-Trade’s priorities. But this year, it’s upping its game — and making the contenders for its Ag Innovation award do the same. Organizers of the Red Deer ag equipment expo will give $20,000 to a company that not only has a creative product or service that benefits […] Read more
The Harrington Seed Destructor has come a long way since it was first developed in 2012. Originally a tow-behind unit that attached to the back of the combine, the new weed seed management tool is now a mill that can be integrated with the combine — at half the price.
Crops, Equipment

Is the weed seed ‘destructor’ ready for prime time in Alberta?

Invention is now cheaper and easier to use, but it's still ‘a hard sell’ for farmers

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In the battle against herbicide-resistant weeds here in Alberta, the Harrington Seed Destructor might just win us the war — if farmers can justify the $100,000 price tag. “If herbicides are still working, it can be hard to convince producers to spend that kind of money to purchase this kind of equipment,” said federal research […] Read more
The U-shaped Dot A-U1
Equipment, News

Dot Technology creates Edmonton branch

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Dot Technology Corp. has established an Alberta subsidiary in Edmonton. Dot Intelligence Inc. will focus on developing leading-edge technologies — such as computer vision, machine learning optimization, and intelligent navigation — and enhancing adoption of the Dot robotic system for use in autonomous farming. Saskatchewan-headquartered Dot, a sister company of SeedMaster, is the maker of […] Read more
A new consortium has been given nearly $50 million in federal funding to find ways to bring cutting-edge technology to Canadian farms. Among the tech being focused on is self-driving equipment (pictured is DOT Technology’s autonomous platform), robotics, artificial intelligence, data analytic, hyperspectral imaging, traceability systems, and “smart farms.”
Equipment, News

Feds back $108-million push to automate farming

A consortium of groups, including three from Alberta, want to usher in a new era of advanced ag technology

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It may not seem a priority given the weather and trade challenges farmers are facing — but now is the time to launch a new era of smart farms, AI, and robotics, say backers of a new $108-million tech fund. Ottawa is giving $49.5 million to the Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network (CAAIN), and […] Read more
Equipment, News

Pioneer Acres heritage event celebrates 50 years

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There will be more than a few gangs of draft horses when Pioneer Acres puts on its 50th Anniversary Show and Celebration. The volunteer-driven organization is dedicated to preserving Alberta’s farm heritage. It has more than a dozen buildings filled with exhibits and artifacts from the pioneering era on its 50-acre site, one kilometre north […] Read more
Farmers can make the most out of their early-season drone use by practising now, says Markus Weber, owner of LandView Drones.
Equipment, News

Now is the right time to brush up on your drone pilot skills

As of June 1, anyone flying a drone over 250 grams will need a pilot’s certificate — including recreational users

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The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and there’s soon to be a buzz in the air — no, not the sweet sound of bees pollinating your crops, but drones. And like pollinators, drones do their best work during the spring. “Your drone isn’t just for taking pictures for your Twitter feed. It gives […] Read more

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