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Inaugural AgTech awards handed out at Canadian Western Agribition

Three companies were recognized for their innovations that improve animal welfare.

The Agribition Animal AgTech Awards were handed out to Farm Simple, OneCup AI, and Smart Paddock.

The companies competed in a pitch-style format during the show and were judged in the areas of technology, team and experience, and market potential and finance.

Vibank, Sask. company Farm Simple received the Rising Star Award for its device called Herd Hand which helps monitor livestock watering systems.

C-Founder Katlin Lang said it was born out of a real-life problem: wanting to monitor the water supply while away from the farm.

“Farm Simple works with the use of hardware and software. Our hardware monitors the livestock water levels, temperatures, and pressure while the producers aren’t physically at the water source,” Lang said. “Then it’s going to send a text message alert if something goes wrong. They can also view all their data on their dashboard online.”

The Innovation Award went to Smart Paddock based in Victoria, Australia. Founder and CEO Darren said the solar-powered Bluebell GPS Smart Ear Tags will keep track of cattle.

“We track them around the property and give you alerts for downed animals, distressed animals, stray animals and we are now working on some more advanced features around reproduction. That’s heat detection and calving detection. We’re the first company to ever do something like this before,” Wolchyn said.

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California Farm Bureau 2025 Farm Dog of the Year Contest Winner - Willy - CAFB 107th Annual Meeting

Video: California Farm Bureau 2025 Farm Dog of the Year Contest Winner - Willy - CAFB 107th Annual Meeting

Meet Willy: California Farm Bureau’s 2025 Farm Dog of the Year!

We’re excited to introduce Willy, a miniature long-haired dachshund with a big heart and even bigger courage, and the Grand Prize winner of this year’s Farm Dog of the Year Contest!

Willy may be small, but he’s become an indispensable partner on owner Marshal Hagedorn’s forestry and cattle operations in Shasta, Tehama, and Siskiyou counties. Adopted in 2023, he quickly found his place on the ranch, helping manage critters, tagging along for long days in the woods, and offering unwavering companionship during demanding logging work.

Willy has even taken naturally to moving cattle, surprising calves (and more than a few full-grown cows!) with his burst of energy from the tall grass. As Marshal put it: “He goes with me everywhere every single day.”

Congratulations to Willy and his family, a perfect example of how every good farm dog, no matter the size, helps keep California agriculture running strong.