GrainsWest Fall 2019

Tech 2019 Grains West 30 Game-changing technology for next-generation farmers FEATURE s Olds College’s dean of program development, James Benkie watches technology closely. “We’re seeing rampant and accelerated technology advances within a number of industries, and that advancement is coming to agriculture,” he said. To address shrinking bottom lines, labour shortages, environmental pressures and other challenges faced by farmers, equipment manufacturers are designing smarter implement technology. While there is concern that innovative equipment will be too costly for the average farmer, Benkie believes the cost of new technology will be on par with what farmers spend today and may even be cheaper. Such affordable pricing should spur wider adoption, he said. Here are some promising innovations now on the market. BY MELANIE EPP IMAGES COURTESY OF DOT TECHNOLOGY, JOHN DEERE AND CLEAN SEED CAPITAL A