Olds College Launches New Precision Agriculture - Techgronomy Diploma
April 10, 2019, Olds, Alberta: Olds College to offer an exciting new diploma in Precision Agriculture - Techgronomy focused on agronomy and technology. Graduates from the Diploma in Precision Agriculture - Techgronomy will be prepared for careers that require a deep understanding of the connectedness between agronomy, agriculture machinery/purpose built network management, and data sciences.
“We know that through the use and integration of technology the ag sector is better able to use data to make informed decisions on the farm for enhanced production and profitability,” comments Stuart Cullum, President, Olds College. “Our new program will provide students with an understanding of the value proposition of new technologies and solutions as farming practices continue to change and evolve in today’s high-tech environment.”
“At Olds College we see the natural convergence of both agronomy and technology as a key to supporting farmers with on-farm decisions,” comments James Benkie, Dean Program Development, Agriculture Technology. “One of the greatest hurdles in precision agriculture is the support required to move forward, it is not always about adopting a whole new farming system, many times it is about using tools such as technology in a different way to find information from different sources to enhance decision making on the farm.”
Benkie continues, “this diploma program will help students discover ways to integrate technology into current and future farming systems to support not only family farms but ag service providers as well. Students will engage in hands-on training on our Olds College Smart Farm, focusing on integrating precision technology, purpose built networks, and agronomy while enhancing decision support systems through actionable and effective on-farm decision making. Graduates will be prepared to work in fast-paced environments where emerging technologies are constantly disrupting the industry.”
Working with industry partners and producers over the last two years, Olds College identified a significant skills gap exists within the agriculture industry when it comes to supporting producers adopting new technology. In response to this skill gap, Olds College is launching new programs in agriculture technology, including the Agriculture Technology Post Diploma Certificate, and the new Precision Agriculture - Techgronomy diploma.
“This type of program is sorely needed in the precision ag industry. Educating students on the growing number of sensors, data platforms and application systems, combined with hands on learning field work and troubleshooting, will give graduates a leg up when seeking employment in the industry,” comments Colin Cameron, local producer and Precision Agronomist & Technology Advisor with Point Forward Solutions.
With the launch of the Olds College Smart Farm in June 2018, and the Smart Ag Innovation Centre, the College is creating a cutting edge applied research environment for students to learn about agriculture technology. The two new programs are a couple of many exciting new ag tech initiatives that are being developed and launched as Olds College continues to grow and evolve as Canada’s Smart Ag College.