An example image analysis flow for conventional weed detection algorithms to extract ginger plants from the background and to then identify purple nutsedge. The original image is first transformed into the hue, saturation, and value colour space, before image features such as mean colour channel statistics are calculated, thresholds applied through a deterministic algorithm, resulting in the identification of ginger plant.

What’s next for precision spray application?

It’s AI technologies that incorporate a deeper learning, says Australian expert

Guy Coleman, precision weed control researcher at the University of Sydney, says incorporating deep-learning capabilities into sprayer artificial intelligence (AI) systems will allow for ever more efficient weed control while reducing inputs and resistance risk. “Australia has had a long battle with resistance. That’s why I guess some of this technology is being developed out […] Read more

A University of Guelph computer scientist said transparency about how data is being gathered and analyzed, which includes consent by producers, is needed.

Trust is a vital part of the digital era

University of Guelph computer scientist urges farmers to take cybersecurity more seriously

Glacier FarmMedia – Cyberattacks and unethical use of data are problems that everyone must take seriously, says a researcher. That includes farmers, governments and agricultural technology providers. “My background is artificial intelligence. I support use of data. I’m not against that,” said Rozita Dara, an associate professor at the School of Computer Science at the […] Read more

OneCup AI wants to promote its BETSY tracking and surveillance system in dairy cattle. The technology is currently being used on ranches in western Canada and in other species such as horses, sheep and goats.

Livestock monitoring start-up targets Ontario market

OneCup AI moves from facial recognition to full-body ID

A western Canadian company specializing in livestock monitoring has increased its offering to farmers as the affordability and effectiveness of artificial intelligence has improved.  At the recent Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show (COFS) in Woodstock, OneCup AI announced its newest achievement: facial identification for poultry. CEO Mokah Shmigelsky used news of the poultry innovation to draw […] Read more

Photo: McCain Foods Ltd.

McCain acquires predictive crop technology

McCain Foods Ltd. has purchased predictive crop intelligence technology from Resson, a ‘vision intelligence technology’ firm headquartered in Fredericton, N.B. McCain has been a long-time partner with Resson, working together for nine years to develop algorithms that forecast farm yields using remote sensing technology. The technology will enable producers to make more appropriate decisions through […] Read more

(Onfokus/E+/Getty Images)

Automated ag skills program developed for Saskatchewan workforce

Protein supercluster, U of S supporting non-profit agency's program

Corrected, May 24 — A national skills-building organization focused on connecting employers with “untapped” labour markets sets its webcams this summer on the automated and digital ag sectors. Not-for-profit organization Palette Skills has launched a new eight-week online program for Saskatchewan residents focused on automation and digitization in agricultural production and processing. The enrolment deadline […] Read more


Autonomous and AI-based machinery have the potential to both alleviate and exacerbate equipment costs.

Ag-tech in 2021: Where to go from here?

There are advances and challenges for equipment developers

Improvements in autonomy and artificial intelligence (AI), as well as persistent adoption barriers, characterized much of the ag-tech sector in 2021.  During a Nov. 10 Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show event, Glacier FarmMedia technology reporters Scott Garvey, Robin Booker and Ron Lyseng described the areas where developers are succeeding, where they’re falling short, and how new […] Read more

Agrifac is one of the large original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) that are testing the Bilberry technology.

The ag game is changing and the intelligence is inside

Artificial intelligence in agriculture is at the technology farmgate with machines that think like farmers

Glacier FarmMedia – Artificial intelligence may soon create a sea change in agriculture that could challenge conventional crop production and farm management techniques. Many components required to build autonomous, smart agricultural equipment for vegetable and grain production in North America are already proven technologies. Sensors including cameras, radar and lidar (light detection and ranging), as […] Read more

The OWL spray system can be scaled and mounted to a variety of existing tools, including vehicles and field robots.

Open access a precision sprayer option

Australian researchers publish free plans and codes for automated spot spraying tool

Interested in building your own precision sprayer?  If the answer is yes, design plans and artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms are now freely available from the University of Sydney’s Precision Weed Control Lab, a research group developing site-specific weed control strategies. 2020 and 2021 saw the release and promotion of an open-source tool – or more […] Read more


Farmers Edge’s online event on March 3 included a congratulatory note from TMX Group, owner of the TSX. (Farmers Edge video screengrab)

Farmers Edge launches IPO

Digital ag firm makes first public share offering to big demand

Manitoba’s best-known digital agriculture firm is now a publicly-traded company. Farmers Edge, founded in 2005 in Pilot Mound, Man. by agronomists Wade Barnes and Curtis MacKinnon, has carved out a niche using field-centric data, artificial intelligence and its FarmCommand data management platform. CEO Wade Barnes called it an exciting day during an online press conference […] Read more

One use of artificial intelligence is to use it to monitor numbers and growth of pigs.

Quebec leads the way in artificial intelligence

Companies there are applying the concept to livestock production

Labour challenges and increased demands for automation and traceability throughout the supply chain are driving implementation of technologies that automate various farming tasks and lessen the reliance on a human workforce.  Artificial intelligence can help make those robots even smarter and automate tasks — like harvesting produce for example — that previously could only be […] Read more