| 1. Information development and transfer. Changes to the Centre's newsletter, now called AgTech Innovator, symbolize a new approach to communications that will see other new initiatives deliver high-quality information to producers.
"It really is the information age for the agricultural industry as well. But the problem now is the volume of information and how producers apply that information to their operations. An important part of our role is ensuring that producers have a source from which they receive valid information that has been produced with integrity," says Atkins.
2. Sprayer technology. This has been a specialty for the Centre since it was first established in 1975. AgTech Centre is well equipped for testing spraying equipment and tests are ongoing at the Centre. "Spraying has evolved over the last 20 years and we're constantly trying to improve the technology," says Atkins. One of the most critical aspects of environmental impact is drift control. "It's important that chemicals are applied effectively, without losses. This has been a large part of our past work, and with chemical application an important factor in sustainable agriculture, it will continue to be a large part of the Centre's activities," he says.
3. Sustainable production. Production efficiency and sus-tainable agriculture are high on the agenda and adapting technology to meet the needs of new agricultural realities is of paramount importance to the industry. Projects in this area include innovations in direct seeding and development and testing of various openers.
Another current project is row spacing and its impact on production. "This is an important area of research that will contribute to many of tomorrow's production advances," explains Atkins.
4. Alternative manure handling. Composting techniques and equipment are currently undergoing rigorous testing at the Centre. "We're looking at the outcomes of composting and how a composting program can fit into a livestock operation in terms of cost and benefits," he says.
Manure handling is a growing issue and its management is becoming a much larger factor in livestock production. AgTech Centre is prepared to be a leading innovator in the area of manure management.
5. Testing equipment. One of the main reasons the industry calls on the AgTech Centre is for its ability to develop new testing equipment. This includes fabricating lab and field equipment and electronic measurement equipment as well. Whether it's torque, load capacity or other technology, the AgTech Centre can measure it or devise a way to measure it. This ability is invaluable in developing new technology. "This is an area that really shows the Centre's capabilities and the type of expertise that makes it so specialized," says Atkins.
A new electronic measurement tool recently developed at the Centre is the soil profile meter. "It actually measures soil disturbance as the result of a cattle feeding operation. Soil disturbance is usually an indication of weed growth." It also has applications to direct seeding. "It's a factor we can measure to assess whether or not you've got a high disturbance or low disturbance type of opener."
Another example of the Centre's expertise is the plot air seeder developed by the Centre. "It was one of the first in North America that could handle any kind of fertilizer - dry, liquid or anhydrous."
6. Technology development. Many companies come to AgTech Centre to fill a specific technology development need. Some want an independent assessment of their equipment, either a component of their equipment or a whole machine, says Atkins. They may want their equipment tested to some standard procedure, or they may need help in solving a problem with a prototype. Companies seek help in moving a concept through the idea stage to commercialization.
"People may not realize the impact of this effort on technology development in the Prairies over the last 20 years," says Atkins. "We've helped set the standards for the technology that's used on farms today."
An exciting development is the AgTech Centre's involvement in the tractor testing centre for the Northern Great Plains, says Atkins. "It will be a pooling of resources to develop information on tractors, traction and efficiencies."
Direct industry links
An important benefit of working with everyone from large manufacturers to local inventors is that it keeps AgTech Centre staff connected to the industry, including producers. That connection keeps its research headed in an applicable, useful direction.
"When we do contract testing for large manufacturers, sometimes those projects will spark interest for further research," says Atkins. "We also believe in hiring summer students, so it's a place for engineering students to get their start in agricultural technology development."
"In addition, a number of international visitors tour the Centre each year. It's interesting to see how visitors and students reappear as employees with private firms or with other public sector research facilities and become involved in a project in some way." As well, AgTech engineers travel to other research facilities to learn about new technology and share information. For example, some of the Centre's engineers participate in contract tractor testing in Texas.
Producers the first priority
Throughout the Centre's research, testing and communication, the bottom line remains clear-cut. "We want to get the best technology and practices into farming operations," says Atkins.
Part of that goal is ensuring that untested technology, which could be a high risk to producers, does not reach farmers. "Let's prove the technology first and get all the bugs out, so producers know where it's going to work and where it's not," says Atkins.
AgTech management and staff
Manager: Rick Atkins
Engineers: Virginia Crossman, Myles Kubinec, Lawrence Papworth, Darryl Slingerland, Reed Turner
Technologists: Ken Janzen, Blaine Metzger, George Ragan, Dave Rea, Brian Storozynsky, Glen Traynor, Giang Truong, Jim Vanee
Support Staff: Debbie Campbell, Deanna Maniquet, Vicie Walcott
AgTech Innovator
Articles included in the AgTech Innovator may be reproduced with acknowledgement of source. Further information on AgTech Centre is available by contacting the Centre directly.
AgTech Centre
3000 College Drive
Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada T1K 1L6
Phone: 403-329-1212
Fax: 403-328-5562 |