OLDS, Alta. — Olds College of Agriculture and Technology and SaskTel have signed a memorandum of understanding that will see the two organizations come together to work on solving some of the largest challenges currently facing agriculture technology, including rural connectivity.
According to a press release, their collaboration will leverage the 800 acres Olds College Saskatchewan Smart Farm (Craik, Sask.) to advance and accelerate ag tech development and innovation for producers, learners, and agri-food companies right across Saskatchewan through applied research, technology demonstration, data utilization and commercial-scale validation.
“We are delighted to partner with SaskTel, a leader in connectivity, Internet of Things (loT), and customer service in Saskatchewan,” comments Patrick Machacek, vice-president, Development and Strategy, Olds College. “With the recent expansion of the Olds College Smart Farm into Saskatchewan, we are continuing to expand and build a smart ag ecosystem that is focused on driving innovation for western Canada’s ag sector. Thanks to partnerships with industry leaders, such as SaskTel, Olds College of Agriculture & Technology will provide ag-tech training and research opportunities that align and support the needs of Saskatchewan learners, producers and the agri-food industry.”
Olds College of Agriculture and Technology is home to Canada’s first Smart Farm, and in 2022 expanded Smart Farm operations into Saskatchewan thanks to a gift of 800 acres of land west of Craik, from Margery Steckler and her late husband, George Steckler.
The Olds College Smart Farm has grown to include 3,600 acres of farmland, infrastructure, and staff who are experienced in ag tech research and development. The Olds College Smart Farm is essentially a giant lab that provides the agriculture sector a venue for commercial scale applied research, and is attracting investment and engagement from companies ranging from multi-national ag and tech companies to SMEs (small and medium enterprises).
According to the press release, the philosophy and principles guiding the development and operation of the Olds College Smart Farm are centred around engaging producers and industry on addressing real-world problems by using and integrating technology and data. The Smart Farm is also focused on teaching students how to integrate, manage and leverage ag technology for the enhancement and sustainability of agri-food production.
