(submitted photo/Olds College of Agriculture and Technology)

By Alice McFarlane

Smart Farms expand to Saskatchewan

PrairiesCan funds research at Olds College

Jul 5, 2024 | 5:00 PM

An educational institution in Alberta is expanding its research activities into Saskatchewan.

Olds College of Agriculture & Technology is receiving more than $3 million from Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) to expand its Smart Farm operations.

The funds will also be used to further research into agriculture challenges impacting the farmers in Western Canada. This includes studies on food security, crop protection, livestock health, environmental sustainability, and purchasing new equipment.

Dr. Joy Agnew, Vice President of Research for Olds College said PrairiesCan’s investment has resulted in measurable impact to the ag innovation ecosystem.

“The team at Olds College has engaged with hundreds of SMEs on projects to advance over 500 products and services,” she said. “These engagements have resulted in the creation of almost 1,000 new jobs in the ag tech space and close to $1 billion in business revenues by the companies who have been able to benefit from the unique assets and expertise at the Smart Farm.”

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Olds College Vice President of Development Todd Ormann said the college works hard to be at the leading edge of agriculture and technology in Alberta and around the world.

“We are extremely proud to be providing invaluable work-integrated learning for our students on the Olds College Smart Farm. By expanding our research and Smart Farm operations, we get additional opportunities to integrate agriculture technology into the classrooms for an enriched learning environment, so our students get the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the agriculture industry.” Ormann said.

Olds College hosted the funding announcement made by Minister for PrairiesCan Dan Vandal worth $21 million for 14 projects for Alberta’s value-added agricultural sector.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @farmnewsNOW