On Wednesday, June 27, Olds College officially launched its Smart Farm.
It will see the college transform its existing farm operation into a farm of the future by incorporating the latest technologies aimed at improving productivity while efficiently and sustainably using resources.
The college also announced Wednesday that it is working to develop new programming in agriculture technology, and has partnered with Agri-trade to host a Smart Ag Expo next summer.
The Smart Ag Expo scheduled for Aug. 13 and 14, 2019 and held right at the college, will be a combination of an outdoor farm show, with hands-on technology demos, and a series of conference-style workshops and courses that the public can register for.
“Working with industry partners from the agriculture and technology sectors, the Olds College Smart Farm will provide a cutting-edge learning environment for our students and lifelong learners by providing a hands-on venue for industry to develop, integrate and test new agriculture technology and practices,” Olds College president Stuart Cullum said.
The Smart Farm will be implemented in phases. Phase 1 encompasses 110 acres. Eventually, the farm will grow to about 1,000 acres.
“At Olds College we believe that agriculture is a key industry to our province and country’s success,” Cullum said.
“The Olds College Smart Farm creates an open environment for collaboration and research among industry and other post-secondary institutions to work together to advance the agriculture industry," he added.
"Olds College has a great opportunity with our Smart Farm to facilitate engagement to address the challenges facing agriculture, in order for our ag sector to produce more while using less.”
This is an edited version of a story provided by Olds College.
