Lakeland College students demonstrated their agricultural skills and industry knowledge at the annual Farm 4.0 event, a student-led showcase.
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The event featured exhibitors, an outdoor equipment display and presentations from third-year Bachelor of Agriculture Technology students. The students shared their experiences from year-long practical placements in the industry.
“This gives our current students an opportunity to present on their findings and their learnings throughout their journey so far,” said Riley Engel, a third-year student in the program.
Todd Sumners, vice-president of academic and research at Lakeland College, said Farm 4.0 is an extension of the hands-on learning approach the school takes.
“Lakeland College prides itself on our hands-on applied learning,” said Sumners. “Farm 4.0 is an opportunity for students to highlight the experience they’ve had in their practical placements.”
Engel said the event helps first- and second-year students see where the industry is headed. It also connects them with industry members who use evolving technology.
“It’s such a big push for technology coming out,” said Engel. “For us to have the industry members who understand it and use it to their full capability is really important.”
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.
“Hopefully they’ve made a big impact for those industry partners in terms of moving a project forward,” said Sumners.
Students bring a fresh perspective as they’ve been exposed to various types of technologies.
“That gives industry partners a different, creative look at solving problems,” said Sumners.
He said the event also helps students connect with potential employers.
“We’re really hoping there’s an opportunity for careers for the students,” said Sumners.
Industry leaders were on hand to see what students had learned.
“We’re really happy that a lot of industry partners showed up to support these students,” said Sumners.
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