Event Details

What does an increasingly digital-first world mean for the future of farming? The growth of digital agriculture, like advanced devices, precision and robotic systems, will impact how farms and other industry stakeholders could become more profitable, efficient, safe and environmentally friendly.

In this episode of Open Dialogue Live, two researchers and a PhD student from the Faculty of Agriculture will discuss what this means in practice. The conversation will focus on the benefits and challenges of implementing digital technology along with how farmers are involved in developing applicable and acceptable solutions.

Our panelists will also share insight from their own work including how machines and equipment with precise operations can reduce the amount of waste output while producing food and how machine vision designed for real-time application of inputs helps lower costs.

Panelists will be joined by moderator Dr. David Gray, dean and campus principal, Faculty of Agriculture.

6:30-7:30 p.m. (AST), Wednesday, Dec. 2
Livestreamed via Facebook

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Please register to receive event reminders and details on how to join the event. Attendees are invited to participate in the discussion by posting questions and comments during the live event. Although we hope you can watch live, you will also be provided access to the recording following the event.

Panelists:

Dr. Travis Esau, Assistant Professor, Department of Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture

Dr. Esau is a mechanical engineer specializing in machine systems and automation engineering focusing on agricultural mechanized systems, digital agriculture, precision agriculture, data management, automation of agricultural operations and data-driven decision analysis for complex agricultural and biological systems. Traditional agricultural farming is not sustainable and severely requires new engineering advancements to remain competitive in both local and global markets. His research involving advanced mechanized systems increases farm efficiency and uses environmental resources more effectively. His developed smart sprayer was evaluated for economic potential across several hundred hectares of commercial wild blueberry land with herbicide savings ranged from 70 to 80% within selected fields.

Dr. Esau is also involved with graduate student supervision at University of Prince Edward Island where he holds an adjust position in Sustainable Design Engineering.

Dr. Ahmad Al-Mallahi, Industry Research Chair and Assistant Professor, Department of Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture

Ahmad Al-Mallahi is an Assistant Professor and the McCains Research Chair at Dalhousie University. He earned his PhD degree in Crop Production Engineering at Hokkaido University where he specialized in developing autonomous potato harvesting implement. He has experience working in projects related to autonomous agricultural implements and field sensing systems from both academic and industrial positions, and his research interests include Precision Agriculture and Internet of Things. Currently he runs the Applied Intelligent Engineering Systems research program whose aim is to find solutions for potato production and management problems while working closely with McCain Foods Limited and the potato growers’ association in New Brunswick.

Reem Abu Kmeil, PhD Student, Department of Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture

Reem Abukmeil is an Environmental Specialist, with a track record of achievement in environmental infrastructure projects in Palestine.  She holds a master’s degree from Japan in Environmental Engineering, and a Diploma in Sustainability Science, and has developed strong leadership and project management skills over the course of her 8 years’ experience in the field of environment, health, and safety.  Currently, Reem is seeking to pursue her PhD studies at the Engineering Department of Agriculture Faculty of Dalhousie University. This opportunity will equip her with a set of skills and capacities that will assist her in establishing a great grounding for the analytical and quantitative experience with an emphasis on real field practices.