Today@Dal

From autonomous driving to AI-discovered antibiotics, there’s no shortage of new technological developments that affect how we do things as a society. Most industries are embracing the ever-accelerating advancement of digital technology, and agriculture is no exception. Advanced devices, precision systems and robotics present farmers with new opportunities and challenges—and they also hold the potential to solve long-standing issues.

On December 2nd (6:30-7:30 p.m. AST), Dalhousie’s Faculty of Agriculture will explore all of this and more on Open Dialogue Live: The Future of Farming. With Dean and Campus Principal Dr. David Gray leading the discussion, panelists will explore how digital agriculture is addressing the entire food chain production, how automation is allowing for more efficient harvesting, the value of nutrient deficiency sensors and more.

In preparation for the event, we asked our panelists to share a few of their greatest challenges. Read on for responses from:

• Dr. Ahmad Al-Mallahi, Industry Research Chair and assistant professor, Department of Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture
• Dr. Travis Esau, assistant professor, Department of Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture
• Reem Abu Kmeil, PhD student, Department of Engineering,  Faculty of Agriculture

Q: What are the biggest challenges you're addressing in your work?

Dr. Al-Mallahi: “Automation and precision application require implementation of technology in agricultural equipment. In my work, achieving reliability and feasibility of new technology for the potato industry in New Brunswick is the main challenge towards automation. Obstacles that cause these challenges include uncontrolled, remote and dynamic conditions where this technology must operate.”    

Dr. Esau: “Advancements in harvesting research technologies have led to the establishment of Nova Scotia’s Wild Blueberry Harvester Efficiency Program, which is delivered under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership with the federal government. Farmers upgrading to the latest equipment benefit from increased picking efficiency, improved field productivity and enhanced fruit quality during the critical harvest season.”

Reem Abu Kmeil: “Real-time detection of nutrients is not possible currently because of the absence of sensors able to detect them. Basic research is challenged in obtaining high-quality data, complexity of big data analysis and cost of equipment.”

Q: What are your biggest challenges related to digital agriculture as a whole? 

Dr. Al-Mallahi: “Despite the recent developments in digital technology (sensing, communication, computation), most of the implementation is still on the research level, and there is a gap between what is available and what the industry requires.”   

Dr. Esau: “Advanced equipment and technologies are required to combat rising input costs for future farm sustainability.”

Reem Abu Kmeil:  “Mechanization in agriculture is still challenged with the absence of sensors and this urges the need to put much effort in developing sensors in practical ways.”

To learn how our panelists are using digital agriculture to make farms more profitable, efficient, safe and environmentally friendly, register now.