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Working smarter not harder was the overall theme of the recent provincial science workshop held on the Dalhousie Agricultural Campus in December.

Science and innovation in agriculture is transforming how farmers, producers, industry, research, academia and government approach feeding a growing population, enabling resilience, sustainability and efficiency in Nova Scotia.

“Technology has the power to transform traditional agriculture - drones, multi spectral crop maps, GPS, variable rate sprayers, 3D modelling and more,” said Director of Strategic Projects Jolene MacEachern, Faculty of Agriculture.  “Research on this campus will be critical to advancing the technology and educating those with the skills to implement it,” she added.

Charlie Turcotte of Valley Precision Ag provided the keynote address on harnessing the power of digital agriculture and discussed how to make farming economically viable.

The Rule of Fives in farm economics—where increasing yield by five per cent, decreasing expenses by five per cent and increasing sale price by five per cent—demonstrates how small, incremental changes can compound to create significant profit gains. By applying this principle, farms can enhance financial resilience without making drastic shifts in operations. It’s a practical framework that underscores the power of efficiency and strategic management in agriculture.

A key component of this efficiency is digital agriculture.

“The role of digital agriculture in farm management continues to expand. Precision ag tools, data analytics and automation are enabling farmers to optimize inputs, improve yields and manage risk more effectively,” explained Charlie. “The integration of digital technology is no longer optional—it’s becoming a competitive necessity. Adoption at scale will depend on accessibility, usability and tangible ROI for producers.”

Conferences like the provincial science workshop – a partnership between the Department of Agriculture, the NS Federation of Agriculture and Dalhousie University are essential platforms for knowledge exchange and innovation.

Academic representatives discuss the goal of increasing collaborative research to augment adoption of digital agriculture in Nova Scotia including Dr. Esteve Hassan, Acadia University, Dr. Matthew Vankoughnett, NS Community College, Dr. Aitazaz A Farooque, UPEI and Dr. Travis Esau, Dalhousie University

“By working together, we can support agribusinesses as they use digital agriculture technologies to drive innovation, increase efficiency, and ensure sustainability in the agricultural sector,” explained Paula Putnam, Manager Research & Innovation, Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture. “These collaborations can help empower farmers with the tools and knowledge needed to stay competitive in an increasingly digital world that will benefit Nova Scotia’s agricultural community and economy.” 

A planned Sustainable Food Systems facility on the Agricultural Campus of Dalhousie University will provide its precision ag team with the high-tech tools and infrastructure they need to make advances that matter. It will provide a sandbox for students and researchers to learn, innovate and collaborate with partners.

“Bringing together stakeholders to focus on innovation and digital agriculture that support the needs of the industry has been an important first step in ensuring collaboration,” said Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture Executive Director Carolyn Van Den Heuvel. “These advancements have long been integral to agriculture, serving as essential tools to drive growth, competitiveness and sustainability and will continue to play a vital role in shaping the future of the industry.”

Did You Know: In 2025, the Canadian drone market is expected to generate $42.7 million in revenue. By 2029, the market volume is expected to reach 57.6 thousand units From scouting to security, drone use will become more ubiquitous on large and small-scale farms in a few short years.