Purdue University students launch inaugural SyDAg and Hackathon Weekend

Sep 15, 2025

By Devyn Raver

A dynamic team of student leaders from diverse agricultural fields, under the leadership of the Institute for Digital and Advanced Agricultural Systems (IDAAS), will host Purdue University’s first-ever Symposium of Digital Agriculture (SyDAg) and Hackathon Weekend. These landmark events will bring together researchers, industry professionals and innovators in a collaborative effort to shape the future of agriculture.

The dedicated students behind SyDAg include Ana Morales, Anna Mendes, Autumn Denny, Emmanuel Cooper, Erick Oliva, Gustavo Santiago, Harsh Pathak, Jeanine Arana, Leonardo Bosche, Leslie Aviles, Mariela Fernandez, Natalia Volpato, Megan Low, Pedro Cisdeli, Wily Sic and Thirawat Bureetes.

Source : purdue.edu

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.