Steve Shirtliffe speaks with Medstead farmer Terrel Hill and agrologist Brianna Zoerb at the Crop Production Show in Saskatoon on January 10.  |  Michael Robin photo

Taking a close look from a long distance

Satellite data and machine learning are yielding powerful tools for crop management in Western Canada


SASKATOON — Information is power, and by putting that power into farmers’ hands, Steve Shirtliffe wants to help Western Canada continue its record of world-leading innovation. “My vision is that we build a digital agriculture economy here in Saskatchewan,” he said. “ We’ve done it before. Where did no till come from? Where did people […] Read more

Surveys have shown many Canadians don’t understand AI, and how it can provide a leg up for industries such as agriculture, said John Weigelt, national technology officer for Microsoft Canada. | Getty Images

Ag warned of artificial intelligence challenges

Technology leader says agriculture industry has been slow to adopt AI tools but also faces a crisis in public confidence

CALGARY — An expert told a conference of agricultural leaders that Canada must deal with a crisis in public confidence in artificial intelligence, likening it to the monster under the bed. Surveys have shown many Canadians don’t understand AI, and how it can provide a leg up for industries such as agriculture, said John Weigelt, […] Read more