Agri-Trade show manager Dave Fiddler (L) and Olds College president Stuart Cullum (R) shake hands during the announcement last November of a new partnership between the two organizations that would launch AgSmart 2019 this month.

By Sheldon Spackman

Ag Technology

Agri-Trade and Olds College launch AgSmart 2019

Aug 13, 2019 | 8:00 AM

Farmers and producers from across the region are gathering in Olds this week to take in a cutting-edge, high tech Ag event focused on technology and data utilization throughout the industry.

The inaugural AgSmart takes place Aug. 13-14 at Olds College, and is the result of a new partnership between Olds College and Red Deer-based Agri-Trade.

Agri-Trade show manager Dave Fiddler says the event will have an educational focus.

“We felt the need to come together,” he explains. “They have grounds and a summer venue and Agri-Trade has the connection to the industry. As well, we have very limited opportunities for educationally focused programs during Agri-Trade because there’s just no space, so this was a perfect relationship for us to work together for the betterment of the industry.”

Fiddler elaborates on the beauty of working with Olds College.

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“We’ve got classrooms, we’ve got computer labs, we’ve got fields, we’ve got all the technology there available for us to use, as well as ground to do it for outdoor exhibits and demos and things like that,” he exclaims. “The farmers won’t be out in the field with the combine, they’ll be in a tent seeing what the combine is doing on the screen, watching how it’s doing it and how they can adapt that information and that technology to their operations.”

Fiddler points-out that for many years now, research has shown significant advancements in agricultural technology.

“One of the challenges for farmers is to keep abreast of that technology and find a venue that focuses solely on technology development, data capture, the use of data and how you can use data to make better decisions so that you can be more profitable ” says Fiddler. “We will be reactive to industry and as the event grows, we’ll probably adapt and change somewhat.”

According to Fiddler, about 70 exhibitors will be on-hand for AgSmart.

“I like to consider all these events one-stop shopping,” he exclaims. “It is nice for farmers to be able to come and compare platforms, what’s available to them to use for data capture and how they can relate. The exhibitors are also bringing their professionals that are focused on this area of the industry, so they have the opportunity to speak to the exact people they need to speak to when they’re looking at this.”

Fiddler says one highlight of note will be the launch of ‘DOT’ Autonomous Farm Technology.

“It’s a fully autonomous system that can manage seeding and spraying and fertilizer spreading with one unit without an operator,” he explains. “You can run it from your ATV or your armchair with your laptop or your ipad.”

Fiddler says AgSmart show hours will run from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on both Tuesday and Wednesday this week.

“I think it’s a great opportunity to come down and see what’s new and the latest in technology development in the industry of agriculture,” exclaims Fiddler. “And it’s not just for crop farmers, there’s also bale wrapping demonstrations and things that pertain to the livestock industry as well.”