(AgSmart Eventbrite)

By Alessia Proietti

August 1-2, 2023

AgSmart returns this week to showcase latest data and technology in farming

Jul 31, 2023 | 5:14 PM

Not all conferences are in a building you know? Some are out in the open field; like AgSmart.

Returning for its fifth year, AgSmart is an educational expo focused on data and technology across the agriculture sector. It will be taking place from August 1-2 on the south portion of the Olds College campus (4500 St.).

Producers and other stakeholders can see the latest technologies being demonstrated, hear from industry professionals and engage with leading innovation-focused exhibits.

Officials with the expo say the the goal is to showcase why it makes sense to invest in equipment and technology to capture data and how to implement that data to increase productivity and profitability for farm operations.

“There’s a lot of value for producers to attend the expo because it’s a hands-on learning opportunity to see how to use data and technology in their current operations. You don’t have to be somebody who’s into the very high-tech side of the industry; there’s something for everyone from those who are just looking to start making some updates and changes in their operations to those folks who are interested in the robotics and using different implements on their farm,” said Stacy Felkar, Event Co-Manager.

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At this year’s expo, guests can visit field scale live demonstrations from drones to autonomous equipment, more than 30 crop plots, over 100 interactive exhibits, special events and networking opportunities.

Felkar says guests can attend 40 education-intensive sessions focusing on topics of crop and livestock from regenerative eggs, leveraging artificial intelligence on farms and more.

While the College’s Field Crop Development Centre (FCDC) typically holds an annual Field Day, showcasing their research and industry collaboration initiatives, the team has decided to host the event at AgSmart on August 2. The FCDC will have presentations on breeding triticale, feed and forage, malt barley and sustainability.

In 2022, AgSmart attracted 2,800 attendees from across Western Canada and beyond. Felkar says interest for the expo has been very strong so far in ticket sales and she hopes to see the same results this year.

READ: AgSmart attracts over 2,000 attendees for technological innovations

With the extreme weather changes across the province, Felkar says each region is facing their own agricultural struggles. This year, Alberta has seen large amounts of wildfires, particularly in the northern region, drought in the south, and floods and hail in the central region.

She says southern farmers have started harvesting early due to the dryness and those in the central region are already thinking of harvest preparations. She says farmers have always adapted to drastic weather changes and will continue to do so.

“The one thing that’s for certain is that farmers are very resilient and they kind of take the hand that they’re dealt with and they make the most out of it and support their farmers and community around them which is why we’re so happy to be a part of this community and to engage with them,” she says.

For a full schedule of events, visit the AgSmart website.

Tickets can also be purchased on Eventbrite.