What do farmers need to know to manage the farm in the new normal? The Ag in Motion Discovery Plus Knowledge Centre was developed to provide answers. Hosted by the Glacier FarmMedia editorial team, and presented by RBC, the Knowledge Centre connects farmers with experts to tackle real problems through ag-focused presentations, panel discussions, live chat Q-&-A’s and informative webinars.
“Farmers have always been quick to innovate and embrace technology, and we’re expecting thousands of eager participants to walk through our Ag in Motion Discovery Plus virtual gate,” says Rob O’Connor, show director. “We are confident farmers will find tons of opportunities to learn, connect with others and discover innovation during this groundbreaking online event.”
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From agronomics and AI to weather events and harvest hints, here are some of the many featured experts and topics farmers can connect with through the Knowledge Centre.
Keynote Speakers
Keynote speaker Ranveer Chandra is Microsoft research’s lead on FarmBeats, a cloud-based platform that enables data-driven agriculture through the power of AI and the Internet of Things. The Knowledge Centre will also feature an insightful presentation by J.P. Gervais, vice-president and Chief ag economist with FCC and Dr. Kohl will discuss how COVID-19 will impact trade, globalization, consumer behaviors, and business models in the society for the future.
Agronomy and precision
Wes Anderson with CropPro Consulting will consider the new normal in agriculture. Anderson will talk about how variable-rate technology supports farmers’ needs for risk management, creating opportunities to reduce costs, improve returns and satisfy consumer demand for healthy, affordable food with a reduced environmental footprint.
Guy Ash with Metos Canada will outline how site-specific data can support better decision-making on the farm.
Grainews editor Kari Belanger has connected with entomologists from all three Prairie provinces to discuss evolving and emerging insect pests on the Prairies. Nutrien’s Matt Fagnou and Garrett Watson will present: “Productivity from above,” offering practical and realistic ways to use multi-year imagery analysis to diagnose problem areas.
A session discussing technology and how farmers can harness new tools to manage risks in these turbulent times will be hosted by Laura Rance, VP of content with Glacier FarmMedia, in discussion with Joy Agnew, associate VP of applied research at Olds College, and James Benkie, dean, program development, agricultural technology at Olds College.
Living Labs
Courtesy of Yara North America, farmers can experience “Field days reimagined,” viewing research updates from farm groups, academic researchers and industry partners through the online Living Labs feature of Ag in Motion Discovery Plus. A schedule will be posted so registered participants can bookmark the research sessions they are interested in. They will also be able to ask questions during the presentations, connect directly with researchers, and share input with other participants through virtual chats.
Participating presenters, organizations and topics include:
- Manitoba Pulse and Soybean Growers On-Farm Research Network;
- AgriARM Site Field Day with Lana Shaw from South East Research Farm in Saskatchewan;
- Lakeland Virtual Research Day;
- Westman Agricultural Diversification Organization (WADO) with Scott Chalmers;
- Building a successful research collaboration: Maryse Bourgault, agronomy research chair at University of Saskatchewan, Yara’s Markus Braaten, and Elm Creek Manitoba farmer and longtime research collaborator Calvin Penner.
Water and soil
David Lobb, soil scientist with the University of Manitoba, will talk about issues of riparian zones and provide clues to the great soil erosion mystery.
Barry Derdall, irrigation technologist with Saskatchewan Agriculture’s crops irrigation section, will present on how to harness the growing potential of irrigation, from project design and regulatory approvals through implementation.
Financial management and markets
Bruce Burnett will present “Global Weather Conditions in 2020.” From droughts to locust swarms to floods, Burnett will examine the impact this year’s major weather events will have on crop production.
Mike Jubinville will present “Navigating Grain Markets in Turbulent Times,” to help farmers know what to expect on the marketing side in the year ahead for grains, oilseeds and pulses.
In a special financial management panel, “Write it Down: Add it up!” expert guests from the financial sector will discuss the growing paybacks on written farm business plans, how to get the best value from them and how they can make farm management less stressful.
Harvest Showcase
Looking toward harvest, Russ Wildfong with Wildfong Enterprises will present tips on “How to Make the Old Combine Work Like New.” Trevor Scherman with ScherGain will present “Data Collection – Why Bother?” Finally, Trevor Thiessen with Redekop Manufacturing will present “Harvest Weed Seed Control,” another tool for resistance management.
