Author: Owen Roberts

The world’s innovators recognize that for advanced technology to be used for its intended purpose, it must be simple and easy to use. Such is the mantra of the Dutch machinery company Agrifac, which builds a foundation of “brilliant and simple” into its high-tech farm equipment. The company knows that in farming, there’s no time for anything to be complicated. And with the pressure on global food production to meet the growing population, today’s most advanced farm technology must be intuitive and efficient for those who use it. Like Agrifac, farmers may also be able to use the same...

It’s no easy feat to develop the leaders of tomorrow – leadership and development programs require significant investments in time and funding. For the agriculture industry, the demands are high to help strengthen rural Canada, to make sure the voices of this country’s farmers are heard outside the farm gate and to help urban people understand farmers’ crucial, daily role in feeding the world. Some organizations, such as DuPont Pioneer, are stepping up to the plate to support programs already on the ground. This company’s initiative, in particular, a community investment program for youth in rural communities, works to...

An important aspect of agriculture — the part below the soil, that no one sees — could very well rest on the shoulders of microbiome researchers. They’re studying soil-based microscopic organisms to learn how their activity and applications (such as inoculants) can elevate the agri-food sector in Canada. They already know microbiome communities are complex, symbiotic ecosystems, and now they’re able to enhance microbial relationships through genetics. There’s still more to discover, especially surrounding microbiome applications in animal digestion, crop root systems or via precision agriculture. Some, like University of Guelph researcher David Ma, believe a national research network...