Reading Time: 3 minutes So you’ve bought yourself a drone and a spiffy new multispectral camera. Sounds fun. But what now? It’s true that images from camera-equipped drones can offer a moment-in-time snapshot of yield or emergence. But what if you wanted to use remote sensing for something a little more robust, such as measuring nutrient variability in your […] Read more
Remote sensing: A few flyovers isn’t nearly enough
It takes years of data (and boots on the ground) to really understand what’s happening in a field
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
Reading Time: 4 minutes 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
Pricey farm machinery and soft commodity prices don’t add up
Sales plunge as farm equipment prices and grain prices head in opposite directions
Reading Time: 4 minutes 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
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
Reading Time: 5 minutes 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
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
Reading Time: 3 minutes 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
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
Reading Time: 4 minutes 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
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
Reading Time: 5 minutes 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
Dot Technology creates Edmonton branch
Reading Time: < 1 minute 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
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
Reading Time: 4 minutes 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
Pioneer Acres heritage event celebrates 50 years
Reading Time: < 1 minute 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
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