We teamed up with Enterprise Machine Intelligence & Learning Initiative (EMILI) and Farm & Food Discovery Centre to present an online Digital Agriculture Career Panel.
Watch the recording here:
Digital Agriculture Career Panel from EMILI Canada on Vimeo.
Presented on:
Date: Tuesday, November 3
Time: 11:00 AM CT
Via Zoom
This online event will provide students the opportunity to learn more about the exciting technology careers available in the agriculture sector from those who are currently working in Digital Agriculture (STEM-related field).
The hour-long panel will include:
- presentations from four local professionals who work in the digital agriculture sector (see bios below)
- the opportunity to ask questions in real-time or in advance
- an interactive Kahoot! game
- a package of materials to review with your class before the panel
- a post-event survey
Fill out this form to register your class to attend! You can either register to attend live and have the opportunity to ask the panelists questions in real time, or register to receive the resources and recorded panel. Please note, there are limited spots for classes to attend the live session.
When you register, you will receive a confirmation e-mail with instructions and any materials needed prior to the panel.
Panelist Biographies
Kris Kinnaird, Product Marketing Manager for Farmers Edge
Kris Kinnaird’s roots in agriculture intersect with his passion for technology.
Kris obtained his BA in Agribusiness from the University of Manitoba and held various positions in the agriculture industry before finding the perfect fit for both his passion and expertise at Farmers Edge. He took an interest in on-farm data management and precision agriculture in its early stages, which initially drew him to the company. His proficiency with Farmers Edge precision digital solutions led him to his current position as Product Marketing Manager Digital Ag Lead. In this role, he brings his attention to product-related details to marketing materials, customer outreach, and external communications to support sales and business development.
Kris farms with his brother and father in southwestern Manitoba.
Mercedes Alock, Lab Manager for Genome Prairie
Mercedes graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Manitoba, Winnipeg Canada and began her career in the field of composite materials with the Composites Innovation Centre. Early on, she specialized in composites made from bio-sourced materials and her work took her through fields to factories. During her time with biocomposites, Mercedes was instrumental in establishing a centre of excellence for biomaterials in Winnipeg. The ambitious centre brought together equipment, data, and people to tackle some of the fundamental issues facing biomaterials. In 2018, Mercedes joined Genome Prairie to lead the Genome360 initiative, a novel program to advance the genomic capability of Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Mercedes has been a practicing, professional engineer for more than a decade.
Kolby Nichol, Head of Growth for Hummingbird Technologies Canada
Kolby Nichol grew up on a grain farm in rural Manitoba. To pursue his interest in agriculture, he attended the University of Manitoba to complete a Bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness. Kolby has fifteen years of experience in the industry, holding a variety of roles within the industry relating to marketing, sales and advising for numerous organizations and companies. He is currently the Head of Growth at Hummingbird Technologies Canada, for which he is responsible for scaling growth and marketing initiatives. He is also on contract with the Enterprise Machine Intelligence and Learning Initiative (EMILI) as the Innovation and Technology Advisor, providing consulting services for EMILI`s upcoming November 4th Agriculture Enlightened conference. He is passionate about helping farmers improve both their profits and environmental footprint.
Suzi Bonk, CEO and President of Precision Weather Solutions
Suzi Bonk founded Precision Weather Solutions (PWS) after almost twenty years as a management consultant for her first company, Sofa Logic Inc. Sofa Logic Inc. specialized in areas of green and clean technology, as well as agriculture and meteorology. Suzi founded PWS in 2013, which operates its own meteorology network along with observing and ingesting data from stations and sensors around the world. A wide variety of industries utilize PWS such as insurance, transportation, agriculture, sports and entertainment like the NHL and CFL.