b'AGSMARTIn a Sea of Technology,Seed Stands OutThe Olds College Field Crop Development Centre has big goals as 2030 approaches, including seeing its barley varieties dominate the western Canadian landscape.IN THE VASTprairies of Alberta, Olds Colleges Field CropThis goes beyond mere event collaboration. Its about creating Development Centre (FCDC) stands as a beacon of innovationan environment that bridges the gap between seeds and smart and research. The institution has become a key player in advancingtechnology, Ormann said. Olds College believes that for agricultural technologies and practices.technology to truly revolutionize agriculture, it must begin with a FCDCs commitment to applied research has driven them tostrong foundationhigh-quality seed. seek effective means of disseminating their findings and creating aAs the saying goes, it all starts with a seed. To demonstrate this positive impact on the farming community. critical aspect, the collaboration aims to showcase the seed value One such avenue that aligns with their mission is AgSmart, anchain as an integral part of the industry.annual event held in Olds, Alta., dedicated to showcasing cutting-edge agricultural technologies. The coming together of FCDCsThe Birth an AllianceFCDC and AgSmartannual Field Day and AgSmart in August proved to be a natural fit.The idea of the FCDC Field Daytraditionally held in Lacombe, The FCDC Field Day took part in conjunction with AgSmart forAlta.joining forces with AgSmart emerged when staff realized the first-time this year. FCDC Program Director Kofi Agblor andthe potential synergy between AgSmart and the FCDC Field Day. Olds College Vice-President of Development Todd Ormann satWith just a few days separating the two events this year, a proposal down for an interview to discuss the significance of the two eventswas put forward to merge them. taking part together and what the future holds. The partnership with AgSmart has tremendous potential to drive The mission of FCDC lies in its dedication to plant breedingadvancements in breeding and other technology. With technologies and new seed varieties, particularly barley and triticale. Whilelike drones and digital imaging becoming integral to phenotyping, conducting research is essential, it becomes meaningful when itsbreeding is no longer confined to vast fields to assess thousands of benefits are shared with the wider community.plants manually, Agblor said. This is where AgSmart steps in, providing a key venue forInstead, it benefits from the data-rich insights brought about FCDC to showcase its research. This union between research andby smart technologies. These advancements make breeding technology creates a holistic and enriching experience for farmers,more efficient, precise, and instrumental in shaping the future of ranchers, and industry professionals, the pair said. agriculture.The staff of the Field Crop Development Centre pose on the morning of this years FCDC Field Day held during AgSmart on Aug. 2, 2023.PHOTO: MARC ZIENKIEWICZ32seed.ab.ca'