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Next-Generation Ram Truck 1500 Could Use Aluminium

Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne Says Next-Generation Ram 1500 Could Use Aluminium (from GMAuthority Blog)

Ford’s super light aluminium-bodied 2015 F-150 pickup made the rest of the market take a few steps back and revaluate their full-size truck strategy, a segment which is becoming increasingly hard to stay competitive in with more strict CAFE standards and emissions requirements. For the most part, General Motors has voiced confidence in its three-truck strategy, but that hasn’t stopped them from locking in an aluminum truck for the future.

GM is probably happier now more than ever that it set up an aluminum supplier for its next-generation of full-size pickups, which could arrive in 2018, as FIAT Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne announced recently that Ram is mulling over the same idea. During briefings to media on Tuesday, Reid Bigland, head of Ram Trucks, confirmed that an all-new light-duty Ram 1500 will launch in 2017. When asked if it will use aluminum in the same way the 2015 F-150 will, Marchionne said the company will be watching the F-150 launch closely and “if it’s the right answer, Chrysler will be there.”

Marchionne didn’t seem all for the aluminum idea, though, noting he has “better use of aluminum in this house than a pickup truck.”

If he isn’t completely convinced of the use of aluminum, maybe Ram will follow GM’s lead and introduce a mid-size truck offering. It turns out it’s something the company has thought about, but the response they received in regards to the idea has been average at best.

“I think there is room for a Ram 1000,” Marchionne said. “We’ve tried this … we’ve actually taken it to clinics.” He added the “response has been lukewarm.”

 Ford has an aluminum pickup truck which will go on sale later this year, GM will use the material in the construction of its next-generation of full-size pickups and now, we know that Ram has the idea in its head as well. This appears to be the direction the full-size pickup truck market will take in the future, that is unless GM’s three-truck strategy exceeds expectations.

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The FCDC and AgSmart Bring Plant Breeding to a Wider Audience

Video: The FCDC and AgSmart Bring Plant Breeding to a Wider Audience

In the vast prairies of Alberta, Olds College’s Field Crop Development Centre (FCDC) stands as a beacon of innovation and research in the agricultural world. The institution has become a key player in advancing agricultural technologies and practices. The FCDC’s commitment to applied research has driven them to seek effective means of disseminating their findings and creating a positive impact on the farming community.

One such avenue that aligns with their mission is AgSmart, an event dedicated to showcasing cutting-edge agricultural technologies. The coming together of the FCDC’s annual Field Day and Ag Smart has proved to be a natural fit, fostering a synergy that benefits both parties and propels the agriculture industry forward. The FCDC Field Day took part in conjunction with AgSmart for the first time this week on Aug. 1-2 in Olds, Alta. FCDC Program Director Kofi Agblor and Olds College VP of Development Todd Ormann sat down for an interview with Marc Zienkiewicz to discuss the significance of the two events taking part together and what the future holds.

The Intersection of Research and Technology The essence of the FCDC lies in its dedication to plant breeding and new seed varieties, particularly barley and triticale. While conducting research is essential, it becomes meaningful when its benefits are shared with the wider community. This is where AgSmart steps in, providing a key venue for the FCDC to showcase their research. This union between research and technology creates a holistic and enriching experience for farmers, ranchers, and industry professionals, the pair said.

Seeds as Technology For the FCDC, the partnership with AgSmart goes beyond mere event collaboration. It is about creating an environment that bridges the gap between seeds and smart technology, Ormann said. The college believes that for technology to truly revolutionize agriculture, it must begin with a strong foundation — high-quality seeds. As the saying goes, “it all starts with a seed.” To demonstrate this critical aspect, the collaboration aims to showcase the seed value chain as an integral part of the smartphone.

The Birth of a Powerful Alliance The idea of joining forces emerged when staff realized the potential synergy between AgSmart and the FCDC Field Day. With just a few days separating the two events, a proposal was put forward to merge them. The marketing and communications teams from both sides worked seamlessly to ensure the essence of both events remained intact, creating a powerful alliance that leverages the strengths of each, Agblor said.

Driving Advancements in Breeding For Agblor, the partnership with AgSmart has tremendous potential to drive advancements in breeding and other technology. With technologies like drones and imaging becoming integral to phenotyping, breeding is no longer confined to vast fields to assess thousands of plants manually. Instead, it benefits from the data-rich insights brought about by smart technologies. These advancements make breeding more efficient, precise, and instrumental in shaping the future of agriculture.

Overcoming Challenges Together While the partnership between Olds College and Ag Smart has been a resounding success, there are challenges on the horizon. Securing stable funding for long-term breeding initiatives is crucial to sustain progress. The college is committed to navigating these challenges and investing in agriculture’s future sustainably, Agblor said.