Governments Invest In Project To Address Need For Skilled Ag Workers

The governments of Canada and Manitoba are collaborating with the Enterprise Machine Intelligence and Learning Initiative (EMILI) to address the availability of skilled workers in Manitoba’s agriculture sector.

 

“Intelligent technologies and agri-food data can open new opportunities for our industry and grow Canada’s position as a global leader in agriculture,” said federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau. “We must continue to find ways to use technology to sustainably feed a growing population. These investments are helping EMILI lead the charge on the future of innovation in agriculture, driving major advances in productivity and sustainability.”

 

Governments are investing $630,000 from the Canadian Agricultural Partnership to support EMILI.

 

“Adopting new and innovative strategies is the key to ensuring industry meets growth targets,” added Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development Minister. “Partnerships between government, industry and academia will ensure curriculums provide training relevant to future workforce needs to allow Manitoba’s agriculture industry to continue to thrive.”

 

The funding will assist EMILI in establishing a Manitoba industry, academia partnership to align education and training with industry demanded skills including digital asset mapping, and creating work integrated learning opportunities for students at all levels.

 

“EMILI is grateful for the support of the governments of Canada and Manitoba through this investment in the digital agriculture industry. Digital agriculture in Manitoba is growing and will continue to be a driving force of our economy,” said Ray Bouchard, board chair, EMILI Manitoba. “EMILI’s leadership of the Manitoba Digital Agriculture Table and the technology tools being developed will empower our people and our businesses with the resources needed to seize this important digital agriculture opportunity.”

 

EMILI was created to prepare and empower the Manitoba economy to leverage digital disruption for success with a specific focus on digital agriculture. EMILI works with industry and academia to accelerate the adoption of intelligent technologies and to provide people with the skills and training required in a digital economy.

Video: Jim Smalley: The Voice That Defined Saskatchewan Agriculture Journalism | CKRM 100th Anniversary

Our next 620 CKRM Icon is Jim Smalley. Jim reflects on his remarkable career, from his early days in Ontario and his first steps into news, to his move west and his lasting impact on Saskatchewan’s airwaves.

After joining CKRM in 1982, Jim spent more than four decades as one of the province’s most trusted and recognizable voices. Jim defined agricultural journalism — not just in Saskatchewan, but across Canada. His commitment to telling the stories of farmers, rural communities, and the people behind the headlines set the standard. Now retired from the newsroom that proudly bears his name, Jim shares memorable stories from his time on air. A broadcaster, a storyteller, and a true voice of Saskatchewan — Jim Smalley’s legacy continues to resonate at CKRM and beyond.