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Leading in technology requires a balance in three core areas.
The idea is the seed, not the solution. For the livestock industry, the measure of technology’s success is not just how innovative a new idea is, but how well it can be applied in the field to make a positive impact on the bottom line.
"There are many great ideas that sit on the shelf," says Rick Atkins. "For our livestock industry to succeed, we need to identify the best ideas and transform them into real-world solutions that get into the hands of producers and industry."says Atkins. "The industry recognizes that in order to succeed, it must operate profitably and responsibly, in line with society’s expectations and the stewardship practices necessary to ensure future production."
The Livestock Engineering Unit shares this outlook, he says. Its agenda is set by both public demands and the needs of the industry, with priorities based on their importance to sustainable agriculture.
A good example of a broad-based sustainable management initiative is the Livestock Engineering Unit’s involvement in efforts to develop Beneficial Management Practice manuals. These manuals, based on applied research, technology evaluations and experience, provide the industry with practical guidelines for meeting public regulations on everything from new building expansions to manure management and animal care.
Integrating crop and livestock production
In tackling major issues, the livestock industry has also long recognized that its success is inextricably tied to that of other agricultural sectors.
On the technology front, advances that improve crop production and management often cross over to benefit livestock production. Strategies that harness manure as a resource for crop production are a leading example, as are feed technology advances and land management strategies.
There are also many technology improvements that offer broad benefits not restricted to any one agricultural sector. Advances in alternative energy, fuel efficiency and building design are just a few examples.
To capture these crossover opportunities, many engineers and technologists in the Livestock Engineering Unit are also part of crops work and other efforts in the AAFRD Engineering Branch. Major components of this broader effort include design, developing standards for production systems, new measurement systems, and the packaging of information.
Developing new technology
Where to begin? A simple question. Not always a simple answer.
Ideas spring up from many different places - from the farmer’s field to the research centre and beyond. To capture the best ones and support their development, the Livestock Engineering Unit serves as a sounding board and testing hub for the concepts from these many sources.
Some come from individual innovators, small business or major manufacturers. Others are spawned from AAFRD’s public mandate and the many priorities it encompasses. Whatever the source, the Livestock Engineering Unit offers state-of-the-art test facilities through its partnerships and the latest in engineering expertise to evaluate and shape ideas to give them the best chance of making an impact in the industry.
"One of the most important things we do is provide a resource to support the development of new technology," says Atkins. "The focus is to get ideas off the ground and mould them into tangible solutions for the industry."
Testing and evaluation
Developing technology is one thing. Developing successful technology is another. Typically, the difference between the two comes down to testing and evaluation, says Atkins.
A major service provided by the Livestock Engineering Unit is to evaluate new farm equipment and technology used in the agricultural industry. Through independent evaluations, staff outline the applications and limitations of technology and equipment. Whether commercial products or pre-market prototypes, technological innovations are put through their paces for power requirements, work rates, safety features, general suitability for use in different environments, and a range of other factors. All work is performed with an eye toward improvement, playing a key role in spurring further innovations.
"High-quality testing and evaluation are key to the successful implementation of all new technologies," says Atkins. "Not only does testing help separate the winners from the losers, it uncovers the finer points of how different options will impact different operations and management systems. At the research and development stage, testing and evaluation also serve a critical troubleshooting role that raises the quality bar on resulting products."
The Livestock Engineering Unit works directly with machinery and technology manufacturers and sometimes with individual inventors and innovators, to get the job done. "We have the expertise in testing and analysis and the equipment to do the job - those components are critical for developing technology," says Atkins. "No matter who we work with, we’re always thinking about the end user - if there isn’t a clear benefit for the customer, ultimately there will be no benefit to anyone."
The key to testing and evaluating is being able to measure statistically. Having or developing a measurement system and being able to stand behind those numbers is critical to technology development and the integrity of the information produced.
Fundamental to all Livestock Engineering Unit analysis is an examination of how technologies are likely to affect individual operations. Much of this work involves working directly with producer groups and associations.
Information and technology transfer
No knowledge or technology is worth anything if it doesn’t get into the heads and hands of those who can use it.
The Livestock Engineering Unit makes an aggressive effort to transfer technology and knowledge, as an integral part of all its testing and technology development activities. It has built a reputation for integrity and has gained the trust of the industry by providing timely, unbiased information for the past 20 years. Staff are also leaders in
extension and resource services.
"In the field, we offer presentations, demonstration days and sponsored clinics in specialized topic areas," says Atkins "We provide information to the industry on the results of our activity in a variety of communications materials, including this AgTech Innovator newsletter."
For example, watch for information on odour management including measuring odour levels from compost windrows, lagoon surfaces and barns, as well as studies evaluating biofilters and diet manipulation to control odours. Animal welfare topics include group sow housing and enriched laying cages for hens.
Mortality composting of spent hens and large animals will be covered, as well as environmental analysis of biofilters and vegetation filter strips. Information on alternative energy options such as biodiesel, wind and solar power will be available. There will also be assistance in accessing producer services and publications, such as the Canada Plan Services for Farm Buildings.
The AAFRD Livestock Engineering Unit welcomes input from producers, industry and others. Contact: Agricultural Engineering Technical Services Division, Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development Phone: (780) 427-2181 Fax: (780) 422-9745. |