Round-Up

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. 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 (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. 

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, JRun^TM, 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 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. 

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.

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. 

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 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. 

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.