The top five finalists have been announced who will compete for the$20,000 Ag Innovations grand prize at this fall’s Agri-Trade Equipment Expo.
Th 39th Agri-Trade Equipment Expo is set for Nov. 8-10 at Westerner Park. For three days visitors can explore the newest equipment, technology, and services in the agriculture industry – including the best in agricultural innovations.
“Innovation serves as the life force propelling agriculture forward, enabling us to achieve greater efficiency while utilizing fewer resources,” says a news release. “Agri-Trade provides a unique platform for agricultural producers to immerse themselves in this innovative landscape firsthand.”
Every year, companies are invited to submit their groundbreaking ideas and advancements to the Ag Innovations program, which is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year.
Using a “perfect pitch”-style format, each finalist is given five minutes to present to a panel of judges. Attendees will also get a chance to vote for their favourite.
“The Ag innovation committee continues to receive high quality applications during the selection process,” says Ag Innovations Committee chair Craig Shaw in a statement. “We continue to encourage new applicants to submit theirs. Innovation is the cornerstone of agriculture in western Canada and we want to bring that innovation to the attendees at Agri-Trade.”
The Ag Innovations finals takes place on Nov. 9 at 3 p.m. at Agri-Trade.
Finalists include:
AGRA GPS
The Stony Plain company’s CRG (Chameleon RTK Guidance) is the first non-John Deere receiver fully compatible with John Deere’s GPS system. The CRG Supports all four satellite systems and comes unlocked with RTK (Real Time Kinematics) and has no subscriptions. The technology includes a bridge to allow John Deere displays to auto-steer machines from agriculture equipment companies, among them CLAAS, AGCO, and CNH.
COMBINESETTINGS.COM
Battleford, Sask.-based Combinesettings.com has centralized peer-to-peer information sharing in the agriculture industry. This custom platform allows farmers to connect directly, share combine setting data, and transfer knowledge globally. By verifying the users, farmers get access to peer-approved settings information quickly, specific to crop, combine type, equipment, geography, and more.
GROUND TRUTH AG
Regina-based Ground Truth Agriculture is building a system that provides real-time grain quality data for the supply chain. The bench-top device combines advanced machine vision tools and lab techniques to conduct grain analysis and provide results. With immediate analysis, farmers can make informed decisions on marketing, crop inputs, soil management, and inventory optimization to maximize on-farm value.
M-MRWS
A new mechanism and structure of an irrigation dripper with a fixed discharged rate and anti-clogging device. The M-MRWS (mechanical root watering system) is produced by the Iran-based Danesh Mehvar Artakhe (WaterSuAb) company. The irrigation dripper offers uniformity of output flow along with anti-clogging technology.
SPIDER HITCH INC.
The Donnelly, Alta.-based company’s Spider Hitch allows one operator to quickly and safely pull the header towards the combine. The self-latching feature works with the winch, which is operated with either a wireless remote, corded remote, or Bluetooth app to get the job done from a safe distance away.