At Lakeland College, the future of agriculture is taking shape, and it’s being driven by students eager to apply their skills and knowledge. The annual Farm 4.0 event, a student-led showcase, provided a platform for these aspiring agritech professionals to demonstrate their prowess and share their experiences from year-long practical placements in the industry.
The event was a bustling hub of activity, featuring exhibitors, an outdoor equipment display, and presentations from third-year Bachelor of Agriculture Technology students. These students, having spent a year immersed in the industry, brought a wealth of practical knowledge to share. Riley Engel, a third-year student, highlighted the value of the event in allowing students to present their findings and learnings. “This gives our current students an opportunity to present on their findings and their learnings throughout their journey so far,” Engel said.
Todd Sumners, vice-president of academic and research at Lakeland College, emphasized that Farm 4.0 is an extension of the college’s hands-on learning approach. “Lakeland College prides itself on our hands-on applied learning,” Sumners said. “Farm 4.0 is an opportunity for students to highlight the experience they’ve had in their practical placements.”
The event served multiple purposes. For first- and second-year students, it provided a glimpse into the future of the industry and connected them with industry members who are at the forefront of evolving technology. Engel noted the importance of this interaction, stating, “It’s such a big push for technology coming out. For us to have the industry members who understand it and use it to their full capability is really important.”
The structure of the program is designed to maximize learning and industry engagement. Students complete coursework in their first year, then spend their second year working with an industry partner. Farm 4.0 allows them to showcase what they learned in the field. Sumners hopes that students have made a significant impact for their industry partners, moving projects forward and bringing a fresh, creative perspective to problem-solving.
The event also served as a networking opportunity, with industry leaders present to see what students had learned and to potentially scout for future talent. Sumners expressed hope that the event could lead to career opportunities for the students. “We’re really hoping there’s an opportunity for careers for the students,” he said.
The presence of industry partners was a testament to the value they place on the event and the students’ work. Sumners noted, “We’re really happy that a lot of industry partners showed up to support these students.” This support is crucial as the agriculture industry continues to evolve, with technology playing an increasingly significant role. Events like Farm 4.0 are not just showcases of student work; they are stepping stones into the future of agriculture, where innovation and industry collaboration are key.
