precision farming, gps,gis, whats new? operatorless

[undin]

Any new innovations in operatorless machines, add ons or guidance systems. I thought the U of S was working on something a few years ago. What about commercial ventures?

[ValueChainFX]

There are many commercial ventures that are happening in Canada at the moment, most of them are not as well advertised as the US ones, but they are going on, one that all in Alberta should be excited about is the Supernet. Farming applications coming from this venture could have an incredible impact. Also the development of Value Chains and the technology that goes along with them, will assist the farm community, if they can set them up as they should be which goes beyond the government outlined value chain. Recent developments in DNA research, tracking technology and concepts of controlled environments are also advances to look forward to. I guess the challenge is that if you want to be on the cutting edge and become involved then you also have to find the like minded individuals and groups that are working on these things. It seems in Canada, they have challenges getting enough dollars just to put the basics together and when they reach a stage that the product is ready to develop and market, oh my, surprise the money for that comes from the US and where does the advantage go!!!! GUESS

Well could probably sign this off with something like another disillusioned Canadian. LOL

[jlamb]

Questions on production innovations that you suggest might be better directed in the machinery and equipment room.

If you do not have success there. Please send me an e-mail. I can forward you the address of a gentleman who probably would know where things are at in that area of technology.

Good luck and thank you for your question.

Respectfully,

Jory Lamb

[ValueChainFX]

Jory:

Thank you for your offer I do appreciate it for sure. The advances that are discussed above are all relate back to innovation in technology that are directly related to both computer technology and the internet.

As a technology specialist myself I have spent a great deal of my time firstly tracking down financial supporters of these innovations and secondly talking to the end users to establish their need for them. I guess my challenge has always been that many of the innovations that have been developed in Canada have had to go to the US to reach the critical end stages. I do take pleasure from the work I do and must say I am always excited to see the innovation being used, somewhere. I guess I am just a little tired of having some of the most capable minds in government and associations standing behind you with words and then bogging down the process with paper work and audits, when I have seen greater support go to what I call, "The Big Guys" with the wave of a pen. This is a fact as I have been with the big guys and was part of the very quick wave of the pen ceremonies!

My goal now after 30 years in the industry is to ensure that the technology and innovation are put to use in Canada by the Canadian Agriculture industry. Even though I personally have been involved in Agriculture from the field to the retails, I have taken the last 2 years developing programs to assist the farm community in some of the most controversial issues. Part of that process was to go back to school and receive certification as a computer administrator just to satisfy the powers that be. I am not disgruntled with the system, just have the fore sight to see that without technology many of our agri-related challenges will be difficult to achieve! I am wide open for suggestions from anyone that wants to make a difference!

Sincerely
Doug