AgSmart Pulls in Nearly 4,000 People as Western Crop Innovations Steps into the Spotlight

The fifth annual AgSmart, held on July 30 and 31 at Olds College, proved to be a resounding success, drawing over 3,600 attendees eager to explore the latest advancements in agricultural technology.

The event featured a dynamic lineup of expert-led educational sessions, live demonstrations, interactive exhibits, and special events, offering participants a comprehensive look at the future of farming and agri-tech innovation. Included among them was a panel discussion hosted by the Alberta Seed Guide.

AgSmart 2024 was an opportunity for the new Western Crop Innovations (WCI) to showcase itself. Formerly known as the Field Crop Development Centre, WCI held its first field day where its staff came together to showcase research innovations including Western Canada’s only dedicated breeding programs for triticale and feed/forage barley.

“We’ve got a veteran team that’s weathered many ups and downs over the years. My goal was to reassure them about the future, laying the groundwork for stability and confidence,” said Mark Olson, interim executive director for WCI.

Next on Olson’s agenda is evaluating business operations. As a new not-for-profit, it’s crucial to integrate solid business practices into the framework, he said. This involves identifying operational gaps and addressing them effectively.

“Transitioning can be challenging, but establishing strong relationships with stakeholders early on is vital,” Olson explains. “Reassuring them that we have a clear plan and vision, and that their support is indispensable, forms the foundation of our strategy.”

Recently, WCI welcomed new members, including Alberta Grains and SeedNet, with Alberta Beef Producers joining as well. These partnerships are critical, he said.

“We need industry support to demonstrate to our core funders, such as the Government of Alberta and Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR), that we are backed by the sector,” Olson says. “This backing is essential for shaping our business and science plans going forward.”

By this time next year, Olson probably won’t be in his current role. The plan is to elect a new board and hire a new CEO, he says.

“However, my aim is to leave behind a solid foundation. I want to ensure that we can look back and say that we made significant progress from a challenging start.”