The future of agricultural technology will be on display at Lakeland's inaugural Farm 4.0 event at the Vermilion Regional Centre. Presented on April 13 by students in the bachelor of agriculture technology (BAgTech) program, the event is a conference, tradeshow and networking opportunity bringing together students, community and industry.

As the 2022-23 academic year comes to a close, this also marks the first graduating class from the BAgTech program, which launched in the fall of 2021. The first of program of its kind in Canada, the two-year post-credential BAgTech program immerses students in cutting-edge ag technology and involves a practicum placement in the ag tech industry. The inaugural BAgTech students will present their practicum reports at Farm 4.0 as well.

“We are excited to show everything we've been learning about,” says Chloe Parrent, Class of 2024 BAgTech student and marketing team lead for Farm 4.0. “There are so many amazing pieces of technology being developed that will change the future of agriculture. We can't wait to welcome the community to our conference and tradeshow. We will showcase not only what we've been studying in class, but also the advancements being made in the field of agricultural technology.”

The event will feature a tradeshow, technology demonstrations, farm tours, keynote speakers, and practicum presentations. Doors open at 8 a.m. with a welcome speech scheduled for 8:30 a.m. and presentations and tradeshow beginning at 8:45 a.m. The event concludes at 4:30 p.m. Admission is free and all are welcome.

The BAgTech program was developed in consultation with more than 40 agricultural organizations. Studies are completed in the Agriculture Technology Centre, which opened in 2021 at the Vermilion campus.

Photo: A bachelor of agriculture technology student operates technology inside a New Holland tractor.