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GrainsWest:
What, exactly, is GIS?
Lewis Baarda:
At its core, GIS is essentially interactive mapping
software. GIS software allows us to combine maps so that we can
examine the relationship between different mapped variables,
such as soil type, yield or applied inputs.
We can bring in many maps, or layers, to examine and quantify
relationships between various variables. It is a powerful tool for
understanding the variability in our fields, and complex spatial
relationships between yield and various factors of production.
GW:
That sounds really computer-centric. How does it fit into
growing a crop?
LB:
GIS fits into the world of precision agriculture. It is used to
examine relationships between different soil properties. The idea
behind GIS in agriculture is that if we can understand how soil
properties and crop yields vary from one end of a field to another,
we can perhaps address specific crop needs in specific regions of
the field.
GW:
What is your role at Farming Smarter?
LB:
When I was hired, Farming Smarter was just getting
started on an ambitious project investigating soil sensors and
variable-rate technology. At the beginning, my focus was almost
exclusively on that project. This meant travelling to a number
of fields across the province, collecting data and implementing
on-farm research trials. Once the growing season is over, I
hunker down in front of my computer and try to make sense of
all the data that was collected.
GIS analysis is just one part of a broader scope of my respon-
sibilities, including on-farm research and precision agriculture.
This means working with farmers to set up research trials in
their fields, using their equipment and existing precision agri-
culture tools. My job is to ensure trials are set up and imple-
mented correctly. I visit fields throughout the growing season
to monitor, observe and collect data. I help to co-ordinate
harvest to ensure accurate data are collected, then analyze and
summarize that data to produce trial results.
When I am not busy with on-farm trials in the summer,
I manage a few of Farming Smarter’s nearly 100 small-plot
research trials. It is a busy and dynamic environment here, so
there is always something to do.
GW:
What is a typical day like for you in the busy season?
LB:
I’m not sure there is such thing as a typical day working in
agriculture, even on the research side of things.
Seeding and harvest are the busiest times of the year for
Spring
2017
grainswest.com19
By Lyndsey Smith • PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS YAUCK
Maps, tests, yields and inputs—Lewis Baarda crunches
layers of information into useful, usable knowledge
for the farm level
Dataminer
Lewis Baarda wasn’t sure exactly what he wanted to do for a career, but he knew he wanted to
work outside. Combined with a fascination with maps and a knack for numbers, Baarda soon found his way into studying geographical
information systems (GIS) at the University of Lethbridge. After receiving his bachelor’s and master’s degrees there, he moved on to a
position with Farming Smarter in southern Alberta.
The Farming Smarter Association is a not-for-profit group conducting innovative and relevant applied research for its members.
From variable-rate technology to crop hail recovery, to hemp and grain agronomy, and even precision planting, Farming Smarter tack-
les fascinating, timely agricultural research.
Baarda started with Farming Smarter three years ago as a GIS analyst, and recently moved into directing on-farm research.