Nipissing presenting in Temiskaming Agricultural Innovation Forum

Researchers from Nipissing University are presenting their work at the upcoming Temiskaming Agricultural Innovation Forum, October 24 and 25 in New Liskeard, Ontario.Dr. Mark Wachowiak, assistant professor of computer science, will discuss GeoVisage: Integration of Geospatial Data for Agricultural Decision Support. Dr. John Kovacs, professor of Geography will present on “Introducing UAVs for precision agriculture”.
Dr. Wachowiak and Dr. Kovacs are working together to enhance the competitiveness and profitability of local farmers through information and knowledge sharing, and by integrating new and existing technologies to generate knowledge.
Farmers have long relied on meteorologists and gut instinct when making key decisions about planting, seeding and harvesting. As global weather patterns become increasingly erratic, farmers are faced with greater uncertainty in their decision making, sparking the potential for reduced or lost harvests as well as lost income, and increased stress. Nipissing researchers in partnership with the North Eastern Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Agriculture and Agri-foods Canada, and others, are developing a web-based geospatial decision support tool that integrates real-time field measurements, such as soil moisture and air temperature, with satellite imagery and other relevant spatial data. The research project provides real-time information for farmers about what is happening in and around their fields, minimizing their risk when making important decisions.
The event is organized by the Innovation Initiatives Ontario North (IION), in conjunction with the City of Temiskaming Shores, Temfund, FedNor and local economic development partners.
For more information, contact Rob Deline from IION atrob@iion.ca.