Grainswest Tech 2021

Tech 2021 Grains West 16 PERSON PLACE & THING what might work for them. Universities were interested but they are, generally, unable to shift their behemoth programs. Curriculum development and approval in those schools can be difficult to do because [the task] is so large. Colleges are nimble, and Olds College recognized the gap in agriculture technology and decided to fill it. And here I am, two years later, leading this tremendous research team and work- ing with this incredible ecosystem in Olds College that is leading the way in terms of education, applied research, demonstra- tion and extension in ag technology. GW: Olds College partners with a lot of provincial groups and businesses. Why is this so important? JA: We’re built on partnerships, basically. If it wasn’t for early investments from UFA, ATB, Farm Credit Canada and Telus, we wouldn’t have been able to build the infrastructure. Our partners are allowing us to build the capacity we need to serve the entire industry. But they’re also the ones coming to us with the early questions that need to be answered through applied research, as well as offering all kinds of insights and support for the development of our curriculum. We have guest lectures from partners, so the students get insight into what it’s like in the real world and how what they are learning is applicable in day-to-day business. GW: What is the most important impact the Smart Farm can have on the industry? JA: It’s tough to pick just one. We want to be a one-stop shop for innovators to find access to infrastructure, land and equip- ment, as well as that innovation-focused ecosystem. We can provide access to sup- ports like investors and other economic development engines. We want Olds Col- lege to be the first place you go to figure out what gaps there are in the industry and [how] you can fill those gaps. GW: The big goal of the Smart Farm is to help bring advanced technology to farmers, which can be difficult. What do you see as barriers to tech adoption? JA: Everything tech related is data relat- ed, which is related to internet connec- tivity. Without it, nothing makes sense. And that’s a problem in rural communi- ties, but with what I have seen over the last year or two and what’s coming up in the future, that is going to be less and less of an issue. There are various new tools for rural internet connectivity, like satellite internet. It doesn’t need to be the fastest connection—we’re happy with 3G internet at some of our remote sites. More and more options will become available over the years and should erase connectivity as the number 1 reason tech isn’t being adopted. But for right now, it definitely is the number 1 barrier. GW: Olds College launched its Precision Agriculture Techgronomy Diploma program in 2019. What is the value of this course for students? JA: It’s training the next generation of developers and users of these technol- ogies. You need a broad range of skills to understand, implement and adapt technologies. Obviously, you need to know about agronomy, but also understand the technology and mechanics, the business and finance side, and even software programming. In previous programs, you would have to take three or four degrees to touch on all those things. The Tech- gronomy Diploma exposes students to all those areas. They’re not getting super in- depth on each topic, but they’re going to understand enough of it to be able to apply that knowledge to the overall develop- ment, adaptation and utilization of these technologies, and that’s important. GW: Is there a particular piece of tech or advancement you’re most excited to see in the future? JA: Six months ago, I had a quick answer to that, but it keeps changing because there is just so much potential. The Holy Grail will be real-time nutrient monitor- ing and measuring. I don’t know how to get all the answers for emerging tech- nologies, but I am really excited to see it happen, and I’m excited to see how Olds College plays into that. Pictured with Joy Agnew are Olds College Smart Farm chief technology officer, digital ag, Alex Melnitchouck (middle) and instructor George Gaeke. Photo:CourtesyofOldsCollege