Operators are still required in the cab for most farming tasks as equipment manufacturers gradually automate the processes and decisions that require operator intervention. Photo: File

Farming still has digital walls to scale

Hurdles between Canadian farms and widespread adoption of digital agriculture technology haven’t changed much

Canadian farms still face the same obstacles to adopting digital agriculture technology, despite the years industry and policy makers have had to break them down.


Canola flowers weave into a DNA helix image made up of corn cobs.
PHOTOS: WILDPIXEL, BOZENA_FULAWKA, OOYOO/ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES

Gene editing up a better canola crop: FEATURE

Canola gene editing project taps maize genetics for a more robust, higher yielding plant

Gene editing techniques and maize genetic material may be the seed for more robust and stress tolerant canola plants. Canadian research is trying to make it happen.




A seeder and tractor pass over rolling hills in the Prairie pothole region.

Who owns farm data?

It’s possible for farmers to own the data while companies are still able to use it, says lawyer

Data privacy is one of the noted issues blocking adoption of digital agriculture on Canadian farms as farmers worry about where their data is going and how it’s being used by companies.



MCO Cover
photo: bubaone, Drs Producoes/istock/getty images

Canada falling short on digital agriculture: FEATURE STORY

On-farm barriers to digital technology are stopping Canadian agriculture from reaching its full potential and global competitiveness, report argues

Canadian agriculture and government must prioritize digital agriculture, address obstacles to technology adoption and consider farm realities if they want the strongest, most resilient and most globally competitive future for Canada’s farms.