Alberta company wins Agribition's "Business of the Year" Animal Ag Tech Award

Nov 28, 2023

The first-ever Canadian Animal AgTech Awards were handed out Thursday at Canadian Western Agribition (CWA) presented by Deloitte.

Agribition's CEO Shaun Kindopp says these awards are the first of their kind, honouring the innovators in animal agricultural technology.

"Not only do these solutions make farmers' lives easier, but they also contribute to the growth and progress of the entire agricultural industry."

Three winners were selected following a pitch style competition this week. Judging was based on three criteria: Technology, Team & Experience, and Market Potential & Finance.

Saskatchewan based company, Farm Simple, received the Rising Star award presented by Economic Development Regina. The award recognized their groundbreaking IoT device, HERD HAND, which has revolutionized the monitoring of remote livestock watering systems. This innovative device ensures that producers receive immediate alerts for low or freezing water levels, offering a seamless solution for efficient livestock management.

The Innovation award presented by Innovation Sask, went to Smart Paddock from Victoria, Australia. Their all in-one platform that enables farmers to easily manage their operations and track their animals, vehicles, water tanks, and fence lines. Their Bluebell GPS Smart Ear Tags offer real-time updates on cattle or sheep, providing farmers with a comprehensive and cost-effective management solution.

Business of the Year, presented by Deloitte, went to OneCup AI, from Alberta, for its detection and record-keeping software, BETSY. This unique AI-driven solution monitors for various conditions such as injury, lameness, respiratory disease, dehydration, and weight loss or gain, helping producers improve overall herd health and take immediate action.

Source : Pembinavalley online

Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.