OLDS - AgSmart 2021 will highlight and demonstrate some of the latest technologies in use in the agriculture industry today and look to the future at some of the exciting developments and innovations in the works, says Olds College president Stuart Cullum.
Taking place on the Olds College Smart Farm on Aug. 10 and 11, AgSmart is a trade show, field-scale demonstration exhibit, and educational exposition focused on technology and data.
The two-day event will see farmers and other visitors given an opportunity to interact with cutting-edge high-tech ag players and experience the latest innovations first-hand, he said.
AgSmart 2021’s theme of “Growing Profits with Data” is certainly fitting, said Cullum.
“It is a recognition that data and technology are two very important aspects for any producer to not only utilize but to maximize,” said Cullum. “The show is really an opportunity to see how that is happening on the Olds College Smart Farm and with the partners that are coming to be part of our show.
“This is a chance for farmers to interact with the cutting-edge technology and the data that is being generated, analyzed and utilized, and hopefully apply it to their own operations.”
AgSmart will showcase not only the Olds College Smart Farm, but also the Technology Access Centre for Livestock Production.
The event will also give producers a chance to “see what’s coming down the line as well, and be exposed to some of the technologies that are still in development but getting close, and seeing what opportunities will be emerging in the years ahead,” he said.
Seeing some of the latest ag-related technologies in action and in-person is invaluable, he said.
“It is really important for producers to be able to get into a commercial-scale environment to see how the technologies are performing,” he said. “Farmers want to be sure that when they invest the money and bring technology onto the farm that it is going to work.”
The Olds College Smart Farm provides an opportunity for industry partners to bring technology onto a commercial scale farm where they can “develop it, test it, validate it, and demonstrate it,” he said. “It also gives our students great opportunity as well to be exposed to the technology that is being developed and seeing the ways in which data can be generated and utilized.
“It is a very real value-added learning environment, applied research environment, and through AgSmart it is that one time of the year where we can bring in a larger community of producers and industry folks and interested public to see what is happening at the farm and where the farm is going in the future.”
AgSmart 2021 will showcase the talents of those individuals and groups behind ongoing efforts to improve productivity and profitability, says event co-manager Stacy Felkar.
“It will feature educational workshops, in-field demonstrations and an exhibit fair profiling some of the latest commercialized products that are transforming the ag industry here in Alberta and throughout the globe,” she said.
President Cullum says hearing expert speakers in person at AgSmart will be invaluable for producers, industry representatives and the public.
The scheduled speakers at AgSmart 2021 are Dr. Joy Agnew, Mazen Aljarrah, Lander Anderson, Wes Anderson, Dr. John Basarab, Dr. Shabeg Briar, Dr. Flavio Capettini, Rosie Dwight, Emilie Edgar, Shea Ferster, Giorgio Furlanetto, Susan Groeneveld, Abby Hodder, Dr. Yadeta Kabeta, Lesley Kelly, Dr. Natasha Kutryk, Steve Larocque, Morgan Louden, Roy Maki, Rachel Melenka, Alex Melnitchouck, Lance & Karen Neilson, Brent Nicol, Lori Oatway, Krista Pick, Robert Saik, Geoffrey Shmigelsky, Laio Silva Sobrinho, Rav Singh, Daniel Stefner, Shane Thomas, Sean Thompson, Jessica Watson, Felix Weber, Matt Wirzba, Mike Witkowicz, Tom Wolf and Dr. Jennifer Zantinge.
AgSmart 2021 will also include many onsite demonstrations taking place on the Olds College Smart Farm.
For example, one demonstration will feature precision livestock monitoring using the BETSY or Bovine Expert Tracking and Surveillance system.
“It identifies, monitors and proactively alerts the producer what is going on with their livestock, showing how BETSY is monitoring cattle at the Olds College as well as sites across Canada,” officials said.
“BETSY first identifies the animals within the camera view and begins watching for behavioural characteristics of interest including showing signs of estrus, calving and injury.
“She (BETSY) can also ID animals for transport, creating a manifest report to accompany the cattle. All the information about your animals is viewed in our easy to use online portal, which we will demonstrate live as well as offering attendees the opportunity to try it for themselves in our booth.”
Another demonstration will be of the Precision Spraying: WEED-IT Quadro system powered by Croplands Equipment.
“The system enables farmers to precisely apply crop protection mixtures where it’s required. It’s a tool to effectively fight weed resistance in a sustainable and affordable way.”
Another demonstration will be of the Power Grazer and Razer onboard portable solar electric fencing unit, which is equipped with a six joule energizer, 140 watt solar panel, 12 volt deep cycle battery, two miles of Range Ward’s Power Braid Reflective Rope, and 100 step in Pigtail posts.
President Cullum is encouraging members of the public attend AgSmart 2021. “We are really excited about the event. It’s a really good opportunity for folks to see where the industry is going.”
For more information on AgSmart 2021, see agsmartolds.ca.
