By rdnewsNOW Staff

BASF Digital Farming

Olds College Smart Farm receives $300,000 donation in support of new technologies

Sep 22, 2021 | 2:13 PM

BASF Digital Farming has announced a $300,000 donation to Olds College, as part of its three-year commitment to support the Olds College Smart Farm. The donation, made on behalf of the company’s market-leading xarvio^® Digital Farming Solutions brand, benefits the farm’s HyperLayer data concept, a process that allows for the collection, analysis and application of multiple types of agriculture data to support the development of new technologies for Western Canadian growers.

“We’re excited to embark on this partnership with Olds College, an institution that’s respected across the industry for its long-standing commitment to agriculture education,” said Kael Briggs, Commercial Manager, xarvio^®, BASF Canada Agricultural Solutions. “The College’s HyperLayer data concept signals the next generation of digital farming in Canada and aligns with BASF’s commitment to innovation and shaping a sustainable future for farming. The investments we’re making today will ensure students, growers and industry partners have access to the information and insights they need to succeed for years to come.”

The HyperLayer data concept collects data layers across the 2,800-acre Olds College Smart Farm, including topographical data, multi- and hyperspectral imagery, moisture mapping and yield data. Through the partnership, xarvio will receive access to data collected from Olds College and its Smart Farm partners, enabling the development and testing of algorithms specific to Western Canada growing conditions. The algorithms will provide significant insight into crop nutrition and weed and disease control on a spatial basis and support growers in producing better crops.

“As we continue to expand our Smart Farm network, we’re always looking to partner with organizations that share our dedication to making Canadian agriculture even better,” said Dr. Alex Melnitchouck, Chief Technology Officer at Olds College. “Our collaboration with BASF Digital Farming is a perfect fit. Together, we’re excited to enter this new chapter of digital innovation in farming. By expanding our network, we can best provide growers with the ability to make informed decisions surrounding their fields, so they can achieve the greatest success possible.”

As one of the most data-intensive fields in Canada, the HyperLayer data concept uses satellite imagery, in addition to drones, gamma ray sensors and soil sensors, to provide BASF and Olds College with agriculture data at an extreme micro-level. The collection of this previously undiscovered information and the subsequent development of algorithms by xarvio will enable growers to make evidence-based decisions to further help optimize crop production, improve their bottom line, and maximize success.

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For more information on the Olds College Smart Farm and HyperLayer data concept, please visit oldscollege.ca. For more information on BASF Digital Farming, visit www.xarvio.com/ca.