Funding to help digitize farming
The federal government plans to give up to $419,000 to Mojow Autonomous Solutions Inc. to help boost agricultural innovation and technological development.
To help address labour shortages, the company is developing an artificial intelligence data recording kit called Eye-Box. It is a small, rugged and economical sensor suite that contains multiple cameras, as well as GPS, combined with a powerful computing unit.
It will automatically collect images and classify each pixel, which will create a digital twin representation of the entire farming entity. The data will be used in computer algorithms, allowing farm operators to make more informed decisions when addressing field-level issues.
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Rather than have employees process data, the Eye-Box will work automatically and allow farmers and employees to focus their attention on daily tasks.
Mushroom expansion funded
The federal government is giving up to $344,100 to the Canadian Mushroom Growers’ Association (Mushrooms Canada) to support market growth for Canada’s mushroom sector.
The funds will help increase consumer and stakeholder knowledge of the nutritional benefits of mushrooms. It will also expand Canadian mushroom consumption domestically and in the United States.
Ontario and British Columbia are the leading producers of mushrooms, accounting for more than 90 percent of total production.
Livestock sustainability research funded
The Technology Access Centre for Livestock Production at Olds College in Olds, Alta., recently received $440,000 in funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.
The funding is designed for enhanced climate change resiliency and environmental sustainability of the livestock industry.
Olds College is using its facilities to test technologies for improving environmental sustainability and climate change resiliency in Western Canada.
Applied research activities will also support several industry partners: Wyvern Inc., Carbon Asset Solutions Ltd., Union Forage and AdvancedAg Inc.
Agriculture education initiative launched
Four of Alberta’s crop commissions — Alberta Barley, Alberta Canola, Alberta Pulse Growers and the Alberta Wheat Commission — have launched a new educational offering to the Project Agriculture program.
The new modules will complement the existing platform and align with junior high social studies and science topics.
It’s a free online education program for teachers and students aligned with Alberta curriculum and offering classroom activities and videos that provide agriculture information for students in Grades 7 to 12.
For more information, visit projectagriculture.ca or email contact@projectagriculture.ca.
4-H provides outreach initiatives
4-H at Home features a variety of outreach initiatives.
The four main initiatives for 2022 provide youth with the chance to explore the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, a set of 17 goals that encourage global citizens to help address critical issues like poverty, health, education, and the environment.
- Proud to Bee a 4-H’er centres on planting a pollinator-friendly garden, allowing youth to spend more time in nature.
- Dig into Soil helps youth discover how healthy soils contribute to addressing climate change.
- Powered Up allows youth to explore and advocate for alternative energy sources in their own communities.
- Making a Splash helps guide youth through experiential activities to discover their personal role in supporting healthy water ecosystems.
The Initiatives can be downloaded free of charge at 4-h-canada.ca/4-h-at-home.
Ontario Pork unveils new leaders
Ontario Pork announced John de Bruyn will continue as chair for the next term and Maaike Campbell will serve as vice-chair.
De Bruyn, a producer from Oxford County and Campbell, a producer from Lambton County, were acclaimed to their respective roles at a board meeting April 12.
Perth County producer Doug Ahrens completed his term on March 23, after serving as a director for 13 years.
Tanya Terpstra, a pork producer and delegate from Perth County, was acclaimed as a new board member representing Zone 2.
Other board members include Arno Schober, Chris Cossitt, Bruce Hudson, Mike Mitchell, Eric Schwindt and Tara Terpstra.
FMC seeks board nominations
Nominations are open until May 13 to fill three positions on the board of directors at Farm Management Canada.
Nominees can include a farmer, member at large, association or organization, academic institution and corporate.
The board seeks nominees with experience and proficiency in at least one of the following areas:
- business development and growth
- not-for-profit growth and development
- government relations
Directors will be expected to serve a three-year term and are permitted to serve a maximum of three consecutive three-year terms.
All eligible candidates should submit a 250-word biography of their experience, qualifications, and value they will bring to the board of directors, along with an electronic photograph of themselves.
Email completed nomination forms to info@fmc-gac.com.
