The First Sixteen

Turning high-tech concepts into field-ready tools requires more than just a good idea—it requires real-world validation and farmer-to-farmer trust. In this episode, we speak with Herman Simons, who leads Smart Agriculture Applied Research at Olds College in Alberta. He oversees dozens of projects each year that test emerging technologies.. We’re also joined by agronomist, Steve Larocque, an independent crop advisor who works with producers and with Olds College to turn new ideas into practical, field-ready systems.
The Canadian Intellectual Property Office’s new tool, IP Central, brings you all the IP support you need in one place, with clear guidance, how-to resources, and links to funding and events from trusted partners.

2026 is the International Year of the Woman Farmer. Women are changing the face of farming in Canada. They are highly educated. They’re working hard. And, while they are having success, they also encounter unique barriers to entry and advancement in the sector. This episode speaks with two women from the Prairies – Dr. Lauren Younker, Feedlot Production Consultant and member of the Canadian Agricultural Youth Council and farmer and entrepreneur Lesley Kelly – who are at the vanguard of this movement. Learn how they are breaking down barriers. Hear their vision for the future of agriculture in Canada. 
Learn more about the programs and resources discussed in the episode through AGPAL and from Farm Credit Canada.

Farm transitions aren’t simply business deals — they’re deeply human and often emotionally complex. In this episode, we speak with two innovators reimagining how farms change hands and how new farmers find their place. Heather Watson, Executive Director of Farm Management Canada, brings a national view on business planning, succession, and the changing realities of farm ownership. Sara Dent, co-founder of Young Agrarians, is creating new pathways into farming — helping aspiring producers find land, mentors, and community.
Learn more about the toolkits from Farm Management Canada, Young Agrarians, and Farm Credit Canada.

From phones and computers to automated systems in barns and data collection in harvesters, each piece of technology on a farm is a fantastic tool – and a potential weak point. And hackers look for – weak points. Just as producers protect livestock and crops from predators, they need to do the same to protect their technology. In this episode, Dr. Ali Dehghantanha, Canada Research Chair in cyber security at the University of Guelph, explains how producers can stay a few simple and innovative steps ahead of the criminals.  And Charles-Félix Ross, Director General of Quebec’s UPA, shares what happened when his organization was hit by ransomware and the key lessons learned.  Learn more about the Toolkit.

How do we open new markets in diverse and dynamic countries? What challenges do we face, and what solutions are being used? Chris White, President and CEO of the Canadian Meat Council, and Diedrah Kelly, Executive Director of the Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office in Manila, share their insights. From building strong trade relationships to promoting Canada’s trusted brand, this episode explores the work needed to grow Canada’s presence in one of the world’s fastest-growing regions.