Dalhousie Agricultural Campus Hosts Immersive Experience in Smart Farming Technologies

AI and VR Revolutionize Agriculture: Dalhousie Event Sparks Student Interest in STEM

Dalhousie University's Agricultural Campus in Truro recently hosted an event that seamlessly combined education with cutting-edge technology. More than 40 Grade 11 students and their teachers from Kinkora Regional High School and Kensington Intermediate Senior High School in Prince Edward Island, participated in an immersive experience of digital livestock farming.

The event organized by Jessica Fogarty, Manager of Community Education, inspires the next generation of agricultural scientists and innovators. Students gain practical exposure to artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and smart farming systems, with insight into how these technologies transform modern agriculture. The goal was to highlight that contemporary agriculture blends tradition and technology. Engaging students through interactive experiences, the seeds for future innovation in the agricultural field have been planted. The program began with a warm welcome, setting the stage for an exciting exploration of farming technology. Graduate students from the Animal Science Department and the MooAnalytica Research team, led by Professor Suresh Neethirajan, facilitated interactive activities designed to simplify complex concepts and demonstrate their real-world applications.

In state-of-the-art laboratories, students engaged in activities that brought the role of AI in agriculture to life. They observed how machine learning algorithms analyze livestock health, predict illnesses, and optimize feeding schedules. Additionally, these hands-on sessions allowed students to interact with technology to improve efficiency and promote sustainable farming practices. Kinkora Regional High School students described the session as eye-opening, especially the use of AI and machine learning in agriculture, which they found incredible.

A key highlight of the visit was the introducing the metaverse of animal farming through mixed and virtual reality (VR). Equipped with VR headsets, students were virtually transported into barns and pastures, where they interacted with digital avatars of cows, sheep, and chickens. This immersive experience illustrated how smart farming technologies allow for remote monitoring and management of livestock. Students from Kensington Intermediate Senior High School expressed how incredible it was to see VR applied in farming, likening the experience to stepping into the future of agriculture.

In another session, students explored the study of vocalization calls in farm animals. Using acoustic analysis tools, they learned how specific sounds could indicate various states, such as stress, hunger, or contentment. This session highlighted the significance of animal welfare and demonstrated how technology can foster a better understanding between humans and animals. To reinforce their learning, the students participated in a lively quiz that tested their newfound knowledge, covering topics from AI applications to animal vocalizations. The quiz fostered friendly competition and camaraderie among the students. The visit also included tours of the campus facilities and several farms, including the Ruminant Animal Centre, where students observed sustainable farming practices and advanced livestock care techniques.

This event reflects Dalhousie University's commitment to educational outreach and inspiring interest in STEM fields and agriculture. By connecting young learners with real-world technology application, the university aims to ignite a passion for agriculture and encourage students to pursue future careers in this evolving field. Professor Suresh Neethirajan emphasized the importance of such initiatives, stating that engaging with young minds is crucial as they represent the future of agriculture. He hoped these experiences would inspire students to lead with innovation and sustainability.

The MooAnalytica Research Group expressed pride in being at the forefront of agricultural innovation. The Department of Animal Science and Aquaculture also looks forward to welcoming more students to explore how technology is transforming the industry. Dalhousie University's Faculty of Agriculture encourages schools and students to participate in upcoming events and programs. By engaging with pioneers in agricultural technology, students will have the opportunity to be at the forefront of a movement that is redefining how we understand and interact with the natural world.

Dalhousie University's Agricultural Campus event successfully highlighted the integration of technology and agriculture, offering students a firsthand look at how AI, machine learning, and VR are shaping the future of farming.

Editor's Note:

In today's technological world, Dalhousie University has effectively showcased AI, VR, and machine learning in agricultural farming. This event not only deepened students' understanding of the agricultural industry but also highlighted the transformative role of technology in shaping the future of agriculture. Such initiatives are crucial in sparking interest in STEM while promoting sustainability within agriculture. Through interactive experiences, students gained valuable insights into sustainable farming practices and the importance of innovation, inspiring them to explore future careers in this evolving field.

Skoobuzz appreciates the efforts of Dalhousie University to provide students an opportunity to deeply understand the world of animals with the help of advanced technology.