A Woodstock-area demonstration research farm is the first eastern Canada site for a national network of smart farm doing research into agriculture technology.
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Discovery Farm Woodstock brings to eight the total number of sites that are part of the network working collaboratively towards advancing agricultural technology solutions and sustainability across Canada.
The Pan-Canadian Smart Farm Network — led by Olds College in Alberta — is a network of Smart Farms supporting Canada’s agriculture sector to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and resilience in response to emerging opportunities and challenges in the industry. The network fosters collaboration among researchers, producers, industry partners, and other stakeholders nationwide to drive innovative projects that address critical issues in ag tech development and adoption.
“I’m happy to welcome Discovery Farm Woodstock into the Pan-Canadian Smart Farm Network as our fifth expansion site — which also expands the network further east into Ontario,” says Dr. Joy Agnew, vice-president of Research, Olds College.
“Discovery Farm Woodstock brings production practices and soil types more common in Eastern Canada into network research activities, as well as specific expertise in soybeans and corn. The network’s continued expansion across different agricultural zones and land bases brings depth to the network’s projects and technology evaluations which benefit farmers and developers. Together, we’re working to drive innovation and growth in Canada’s diverse agriculture industry.”
Discovery Farm Woodstock is a 330-acre site in Ontario that showcases the innovative technology and equipment shaping Ontario agriculture. It has access to experts and industry partners including the University of Guelph research services team.
Demonstration research at Discovery Farm involves the practical application and testing of various farming methods, technologies and practices in a real-world setting to provide farmers and agricultural professionals with tangible, applicable knowledge for their own operations. Discovery Farm is a national, multi-location demonstration farm and events facility with locations in Eastern and Western Canada leading events such as Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show and Ag in Motion.
“We’re thrilled Discovery Farm Woodstock is a member of the Pan-Canadian Smart Farm Network, and is expanding the network and research into a new province and new agricultural zone,” says Lynda Tityk, Glacier FarmMedia, corporate director, Discovery Farm & Events.
The Pan-Canadian Smart Farm Network launched in 2021. In addition to Discovery Farm Woodstock and Olds College, it also includes Discovery Farm Langham located just north of Saskatoon, Sask.; Lakeland College located at Vermilion, Alta.; University of Saskatchewan (USask) Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence (LFCE) located near Saskatoon, Sask.; Manitoba Beef & Forage Initiatives Inc. (MBFI) located near Brandon, Man.; Enterprise Machine Intelligence & Learning Initiative (EMILI) located near Winnipeg, Man.; and Lethbridge College located in Lethbridge, Alta.
With funding from the Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network (CAAIN), the Pan-Canadian Smart Farm Network initiative will accelerate the development and adoption of ag technologies and systems, helping producers manage their risk of production to improve the productivity and sustainability of their farms.
(Discovery Farm Woodstock and Farmtario are both owned by Glacier FarmMedia)
