FCC renews commitment to Olds College Smart Farm and AgExpert Data Lab

Farm Credit Canada (FCC) is pleased to announce a renewed financial commitment to Olds College, marking five years of successful partnership focused on advancing ag technology and applied research through the Olds College Smart Farm.

Since the partnership's inception in 2019, Olds College has made significant strides in integrating advanced technologies and innovative practices within the agricultural sector. The AgExpert Data Lab, established with FCC's initial support, has become a cornerstone of this progress, serving as a collaborative workspace for students, instructors, industry partners, and the Smart Farm Integration Team.

“FCC's continued support has been instrumental in our development,” says Olds College President, Dr. Ben Cecil. “The advancements we've made in the AgExpert Data Lab over the past five years have enabled us to analyze and demonstrate cutting-edge technology and practices. This renewal will allow us to further enhance our capabilities and provide even greater opportunities for entrepreneurs, companies, producers, and our students.”

The Olds College Smart Farm has grown into a leading hub for digital agriculture in Canada, offering a hands-on learning environment where students and industry professionals can develop, integrate, and test new agricultural technologies and practices. The Smart Farm now features state-of-the-art equipment and data management systems, enabling precise and informed decision-making for the agriculture and food industry.

Mohamad Yaghi, FCC’s Vice-President Innovation Hub and AgExpert, expressed enthusiasm about the ongoing partnership. “The AgExpert Data Lab has played a crucial role in teaching the next generation of farmers how to collect, manage, and utilize farm data effectively. With this renewed commitment, we aim to expand our efforts and ensure that Canadian agriculture remains at the forefront of global innovation and success and ensure that producers are renumerated for what they produce and preserve.”

With this renewed financial commitment, FCC and Olds College are poised to further their contributions to the agriculture and food industry, fostering innovation, sustainability, and success for years to come.

About FCC

FCC is proud to be 100% invested in Canadian agriculture and food. Our employees are committed to the long-standing success of those who produce and process Canadian food. FCC provides flexible financing and capital solutions, while creating value through data, knowledge, relationships and expertise. FCC offers a complement of financial and non-financial products and services designed to support the complex and evolving needs of the industry. As a commercial Crown corporation, FCC is a stable partner that reinvests profits back into the industry and communities it serves. For more information, visit fcc.ca.

For more information or interviews, please contact:

Jill McAlister
Corporate Communication 
Farm Credit Canada
306-540-4840
jill.mcalister@fcc.ca