Article compliments of New Holland

Artificial intelligence, automated systems, monitors, analytics, sensors, and other precision farming devices are transforming agriculture. Producers who utilize these emerging technologies can reap big benefits. But often, those who are adept at using ag technology are not as skilled in ag production. The new Bachelor of Agriculture Technology program at Lakeland College's Vermilion campus in eastern Alberta aims to bridge that gap.

Kyle Kipps, Program Director of Agriculture Technology, explains the objective of the program, which is the first of its kind in Canada. The program builds on the hands-on knowledge students have attained through a two-year diploma in livestock management or crop production.

“The industry is developing solutions that are utilizing technology and require a slightly different skill set than production has in the past,” said Kipps. “Many producers are aware of the value of these tools and technology but aren't too sure how to implement them. There's a need for a person in the middle who understands production agriculture and can help roll these products out to customers, or help the producers utilize and implement new technology on their operation. We're trying to strike that perfect sweet spot where we're producing a graduate who has a solid production foundation through their diploma education, but also has technology know-how that is presented from a production perspective.”

Students in this two-year, hands-on program have already earned a two-year diploma in livestock management or crop production. The two-year bachelor program focuses on the practical application of technology to agricultural production systems. That's where New Holland comes in.

Production & technology know-how

At the college's Student-Managed Farm - Powered by New Holland, students working to earn a diploma manage real-world commercial-scale crop and livestock enterprises. New Holland supplies equipment to the college to ensure students have access to the latest farm equipment and technology. Kipps cites a few examples of how the cutting edge technology built into the New Holland equipment that's used on the campus in Vermilion become valuable learning opportunities in the Agriculture Technology degree program.

“In our machine control and inter-components communications systems course we had access to a new T6 tractor that will be working on the Student-Managed Farm next season,” said Kipps. “With the support of Braden Webb, the Precision Ag Specialist at our local New Holland dealer, Webb's Machinery, we installed an EZ-Steer® guidance system in that tractor. It gave our students the chance to unbox all the hardware components, install it, calibrate it, and get it set up and customer ready. We were grateful that we had access to that tractor and the fantastic support from Webb's.

“Another thing we're planning is an activity around IntelliBale™ baler automation. Claude Lesperance, a New Holland Hay and Forage Product Specialist, described the system and what the advantages are for producers. Then, he explained the hardware components of the system and demonstrated how it works. Our plan is for the students to experience the automation of IntelliBale for themselves when they follow the combine to bale straw this fall.”

New equipment technology

Kipps says whether a producer is seeking out emerging technology or not, technology is coming their way.

“If you're buying a new tractor, it's probably equipped with telematic capabilities. It makes sense to make use of that. Someone who has spent their whole life being focused on production may not have the skill set to be a strong data manager and get decision-making use out of precision farming data. That's where our graduates can help them decipher and improve their operation.”

Photo: An assortment of New Holland equipment outside Lakeland College's Agriculture Technology Centre.