The first-ever Canadian Animal AgTech Awards were handed out at the Canadian Western Agribition (CWA) this week.
The awards, presented by Deloitte, cover three categories: The Rising Star award, presented by Economic Development Regina; the Innovation award, presented by Innovation Sask; and Business of the Year, presented by Deloitte.
The winners of each category were selected following a pitch style competition this week. Judging was based on three criteria: technology, team and experience, and market potential and finance.
Saskatchewan based company, Farm Simple, received the Rising Star award for its Herd Hand internet-of-things device which provides remote monitoring of livestock watering systems.
The Innovation award went to Smart Paddock from Victoria, Australia, for their all-in-one platform that enables farmers to manage their operations and track animals, vehicles, water tanks, and fence lines using Bluebell GPS Smart Ear Tags for real-time updates on cattle or sheep.
OneCup AI, from Alberta, was named Business of the Year, for its detection and record-keeping software, BETSY. This AI-driven platform monitors for various conditions such as injury, lameness, respiratory disease, dehydration, and weight loss or gain, helping producers improve overall herd health and take immediate action.
“These awards are the first of their kind, honouring the innovators in animal agricultural technology. Not only do these solutions make farmers’ lives easier, but they also contribute to the growth and progress of the entire agricultural industry,” said Shaun Kindopp, CEO of Canadian Western Agribition.
