- Round-Up 2025: From Lab to Land
- June 11, 2025 Cremona, AB
We had an exciting and insightful day focused on how a market-driven approach to innovation can boost profitability and prosperity. Through expert-led talks, peer-to-peer discussions, and demonstrations of practical science, we explored how what’s developed in the lab can apply directly on-farm. It was a valuable opportunity to connect, learn, and drive innovation forward!
This year's event was held at The Heritage Centre located outside the town of Cremona, AB.
Thank you for attending! We'll see you next year.












Event Summaries
Panel 1: Routes to Market - Your Commodity, Your Profit
A first panel discussion at Round-Up 2025 will tackle some of the issues affecting trade, commodity prices, diversification and developing our value added sector. Themes will include:
Diversifying Sales Channels: Exploring direct-to-consumer models, niche markets, value-added processing, and collaborative ventures to bypass intermediaries and secure higher margins.
Impact of emerging technology: Discussing how data analytics, and other emerging technologies can optimize production, improve quality, and enhance market access.
Branding and Storytelling: Understanding the power of branding and effectively communicating the unique story behind their operations to build consumer loyalty and command premium prices.
Building Strategic Partnerships: Identifying opportunities for collaboration with other producers, processors, retailers, and food service providers to create integrated supply chains and expand market reach.
Moderated by Dianne Finstad, this panel features three very distinguished names from the world of Albertan agriculture – Ted Bilyea (Formerly with Maple Leaf Foods, Distinguished Fellow with CAPI) , Melissa Downing (Director of Regulatory and Sustainability, AB Cattle Feeders), and Christine Lewington (CEO, PIP International).
Panel 2: Innovation in Your Hands: Research for On-Farm Improvement
Our second Round-Up panel features three leaders in applied on-farm research: Quinn Hlus, Dr. Brenda Ralston, and Lara de Moissac. Along with moderator Dianne Finstad, panelists will discuss how farmers can proactively engage with research initiatives to foster advancements and profitability within their operations. This session will demystify the process of on-farm research, offering practical guidance on how producers can actively participate and benefit. Key discussion points will include:
Identifying Innovation Opportunities: Guidance on recognizing farm-specific challenges or opportunities that can be addressed through innovation, and where to seek out relevant initiatives (e.g., provincial / federal programs, industry associations, private companies).
Applying for and Securing Research Projects: Practical advice on navigating application processes, understanding funding mechanisms, and developing compelling proposals for on-farm trials.
Leveraging Support Networks: Insights into the types of support available to farmers engaging in research, including technical assistance, financial incentives, and knowledge transfer resources.
Collaborating with Academia: Strategies for effectively partnering with universities and colleges, including initiating contact, defining research objectives, managing expectations, and maximizing mutual benefits.
Operational Benefits of Innovation: Highlighting tangible advantages experienced by farmers who embrace new innovations, such as improved yields, reduced input costs, enhanced sustainability, increased efficiency, and ultimately, greater long-term profitability and competitiveness.
This panel aims to empower farmers to see themselves as key drivers of agricultural innovation, providing them with the knowledge and confidence to actively seek out, engage with, and benefit from on-farm research opportunities.
Speakers

Dianne Finstad
Master of Ceremonies

Joel Cowley
Keynote

Ted Bilyea
Panelist

Melissa Downing
Panelist

Christine Lewington
Panelist

Dr. Brenda Ralston
Panelist

Quinn Hlus
Panelist

Lara de Moissac
Panelist
Exhibitors
Alberta Pulse Growers: Virtual Realty Demo
Ag has often ignored the human factor in extension. We create materials, host field days, and provide a plethora of passive learning opportunities. We have not changed our strategies in decades. As a result, measurement is difficult, change is slow and human psychology is ignored. APG is seeking to do things differently, to include active learning, to respect that time is valuable, and information needs to be distilled to seconds rather than hours, while still honouring our extension roots and engaging with those who like to visit at a field day.
Through exploration of virtual and augmented reality opportunities, we are looking to connect with a variety of audiences for a variety of purposes: to bring in-season learning into the off-season, to bring the consumer/farmer/agronomist/scientist to the farm and to have fun and create authentic relationships along the way.
AUAV Tech Inc.: Drone Systems
AUAV Tech Inc. is a Calgary-based UAV manufacturer specializing in advanced agricultural drone systems. At RDAR Round-Up 2025, we are showcasing the AUAV A70, a 70L heavy-lift spraying drone built for large-scale farm operations. Recently certified under Transport Canada’s SFOC program, the A70 features autonomous flight, RTK precision, and modular spray systems designed to reduce chemical waste and increase operational efficiency. Our team is also collaborating with Olds College to evaluate spray performance and drift. Visitors are welcome to explore the drone up close and view a water-only spray demo if conditions allow.
Central Alberta Forage and Livestock Association: Razer Grazer and Soil Sampling
Central Alberta Forage and Livestock Association (CAFALA) is a producer-led organization committed to advancing sustainable forage and livestock practices. Through hands-on education, applied research, and strong community engagement, we support producers in building healthy pastures and resilient ecosystems. Key focus areas include grazing and riparian management, environmental stewardship, grass production, and forage regeneration.
Razer Grazer: Make portable fencing faster and easier with the Razer Grazer. This compact, durable, and highly efficient tool is a must-have for farmers and ranchers looking to streamline their fencing operations.
Soil Sampling Services: Take the guesswork out of soil health. CAFALA offers professional soil sampling and lab analysis to help you understand your soil’s nutrient levels, pH, and overall condition, empowering smarter land management decisions for stronger yields and healthier forage.
iClassifier: AI and Computer Vision Demo
At iClassifier, we’re reimagining how farmers care for their cattle. Our innovation uses machine vision and camera-based systems to make health assessments faster, easier, and more accurate. From spotting early signs of lameness to estimating weight and evaluating body condition, our technology helps farmers act sooner, improve animal welfare, and run more efficient operations.
What makes us different is how we bring it all together. We combine smart hardware with intelligent software tools built specifically for the realities of the farm. Our standalone camera system, JRunTM, plays a key role in tracking weight and Body Condition Score (BCS), while the iClassifier platform offers real-time insights and analytics to support better decisions every day.
Behind iClassifier is a passionate team of over 10 engineers and animal scientists, led by co-founders Dr. Reza Sabbagh, mechanical engineer and adjunct professor at the University of Alberta), Dr. Amir Rahvar, computer vision expert and data scientist, and Dr. Ghader Manafiazar, animal scientist and professor at Dalhousie University.
Lakeland College: Lidoband™ Large
Lakeland College is exploring the use of lidocaine-infused bands as a more humane option for common livestock procedures such as castration and tail docking. These bands deliver lidocaine, a local anesthetic, directly to the site, providing effective pain relief throughout the process until the tail or testicles naturally detach. Early studies suggest that this method significantly reduces stress and discomfort for the animals, while also minimizing the need for injectable anesthetics. The research aims to confirm the safety and effectiveness of these bands, with the goal of encouraging widespread adoption and improving animal welfare practices across the livestock industry.
NAIT: Biodegradable Bee Hives
A Circular Economy Solution to Plastic Waste in the Beekeeping Industry
Industries face increasing pressure to meet strict ESG standards, especially with Canada’s plan to ban single-use plastics by 2030. This project, led by NAIT in collaboration with Alberta beekeeping industry partners (Alberta Beekeepers Commission, University of Lethbridge, Tees Bees Farm, and Thrive Honey) supports the beekeeping industry in reducing environmental impacts by developing recyclable polypropylene (PP) beehive foundations as a sustainable alternative to hard-to-recycle polystyrene. The goal is to demonstrate the viability of reusable designs and establish effective cleaning protocols to support circular use. 3D printed PP foundation was successfully designed, assembled, and field-tested, performing comparably to commercial frames in honey yield. Beehive cleaning was tested under varying conditions, and refined methods were used to clean both commercial and 3D-printed trial foundations. No significant differences were observed in the chemical properties of foundations before and after the trial. The results show strong potential for scalable, eco-friendly solutions that benefit Canadian beekeepers. This work directly supports the Alberta Beekeepers Commission’s commitment to advancing ESG principles through sustainable innovation and environmental stewardship.
Nature's Net Wrap: Compostable Bale Net Wrap
With agricultural roots that span generations, this father-son team continues to ranch together on the prairies of Alberta. They’re proud to introduce Nature’s Net Wrap, a groundbreaking, compostable net wrap designed to revolutionize the way producers manage their bales. Made from plant-based biopolymers, this sustainable alternative to traditional plastic wrap delivers the same high performance without the environmental impact. Nature’s Net Wrap reduces plastic waste, lowers your carbon footprint, and meets the rising demand for eco-friendly farming solutions. Best of all, no additional wrap is needed, just a simple, sustainable choice for modern agriculture.
Olds College: Forage Nitrate Testing
Managing nitrate levels in forage is crucial to preventing toxicity in cattle, particularly in Alberta, where drought, frost, and hail can increase the risk of nitrate exposure. Traditional lab testing is reliable but often too slow or costly for timely, on-farm decision-making.
This project, led by the Technology Access Center for Livestock Production (TACLP), focuses on validating the Horiba nitrate meter as a rapid, user-friendly tool for producers. The Horiba device uses an ion-selective electrode to measure nitrate concentration in plant sap, delivering results in just 1–2 minutes, offering a major advantage over lab analysis and other testing kits that can take 15–20 minutes or more.
Initial results showed the Horiba test aligned well with lab benchmarks for fresh standing forage, highlighting its potential as a practical, on-farm solution for producers monitoring forage safety. The next phase, will expand validation across Alberta to ensure reliability across diverse conditions. This work supports real-time decision-making and enables producers to reduce the risk of nitrate poisoning in their herds.
Sundog Solar: Water Buggy
Sundog Solar offers a versatile range of solar-powered solutions designed through ongoing testing and real-world evaluation to meet the evolving needs of today’s producers. Their all-in-one portable solar water system and trailer helps you make the most of every pasture. Quick to set up and easy to move, the system is up and running within minutes. Powered by both solar panels and a windmill, it delivers added flexibility in remote locations. The durable pump is capable of drawing from both surface and well water, making it reliable, efficient solution for on-the-go livestock watering.
University of Alberta: Biodegradable Ag Plastics
Dr. Anastasia Elias is a Professor in Chemical and Materials Engineering at the University of Alberta.
In her research, she is investigating the development of bio-based and biodegradable composites for agricultural applications. Her team conducts research on polymer degradation and stability under a variety of conditions, including enzymatic degradation, hydrolytic degradation, accelerated weathering, and composting. She has co-authored more than 60 scientific publications, and she holds 2 US patents. Dr. Elias has been serving as the Associate Dean (Research Strategy) in the Faculty of Engineering since 2021.