Ontario Agriculture

The network for agriculture in Ontario, Canada

Are Robot Farmers Going To Take Over? See The Latest Robotic Technology "Prospero and Aquarius" At The CFVTX Event July 12-13, 2012

 



 

Farmers ready to rally and support the annual, horticulture trade show.

Simcoe, ON

(June 17, 2012) – Norfolk County, the predominant fruit and vegetable community, is home to the annual fruit & veg trade show – Canada’s Fruit & Veg Tech X-Change. Farmers from near and far, are eager to rally and support both the show, and the horticulture industry. Not only will they attend, but bring the entire farm family unit, as there is something for everyone engaged in the hort sector.

In addition to the free brunch for farmers on opening day, the 250 exhibitor trade show boasts specialized equipment, a two-day speaker program, the global launch of the ‘robot farmers’, equipment innovation contest, live demos, and a Farm Family XPO. David Chilton, Canadian author of The Wealthy Barber, will speak at 12pm on the Saturday of the show; discussing smart financial planning as it relates to agriculture.

Norfolk County is not the only vibrant horticulture ‘hot bed’. Essex County is home to a massive greenhouse vegetable sector, a world-class leader in food production. The Tech X-Change has been targeting this area and offering complimentary chartered bus rides to and from the show, courtesy of Vanden Bussche Irrigation.

"With Essex County and the greenhouse growers concerned more than ever with environmental impact and water recirculation, these growers are motivated to attend the X-Change with their families, to see such things as irrigation field days and the new greenhouse farmer robot launch" states Jillian McCallum, from Essex County Growers Association. "Our greenhouse operations have significant impact in the horticulture sector; they are serious about technology and educating the next generation, they know they will see it all in one place at the X-Change this July".

R&D Dorout, out of Iowa, are the inventors of the intriguing robot farmers. One designed for row crop "Prospero" and one designed for greenhouse "Aquarius". Aquarius is crafted to aid greenhouse operators with dispensing water, fertilizing and plant harvest. Astonishingly enough, this robot will be ready for pre-order at the X-Change.

Norfolk County asparagus grower, Chris Koteles, says "Canada’s Fruit and Veg Tech X-Change recognizes the need for growers to see specialized hort equipment in operation, and all in one spot for performance comparisons. There are a lot of great farm shows out there, but the reality is, most have very little to offer today’s progressive fruit and veg producer," says Koteles. "The Tech X-Change is a real plus for the Ontario’s hort industry."

If you are an OFA member make sure you check out the new OFA Proud to Farm Building onsite, that will play host to OFA, NFA and various member benefit partners.

This year’s dates are July 12th – 14th 2012, taking place at the hort shows permanent site, 1195 Front Rd in St Williams, ON.

For more information on Fruit & Veg Tech X-Change, please visit www.FruitVeg.ca or call the shows communication manager, Donna Powell at 226-381-0282 Ext. 2. X-Change hours are 10am-6pm Thursday and Friday and 10am – 4pm on Saturday

Views: 247

Comment

You need to be a member of Ontario Agriculture to add comments!

Join Ontario Agriculture

Agriculture Headlines from Farms.com Canada East News - click on title for full story

Canadian Wool Industry Responds to New U.S. Tariffs

The Canadian Wool Council warned that doubled 50% U.S. tariffs will damage the cross-border wool and textile industry, escalating costs and disrupting supply chains.

Agriculture Enlightened panel to spotlight potato industry challenges and opportunities

Four leaders in Canada’s potato industry will take the stage at Agriculture Enlightened, Canada’s Agtech Conference, for Beyond the Spud: Markets, Technology and Opportunity. This panel discussion will explore how technology, evolving value chains, changing markets and global trade are reshaping the opportunities and challenges facing potato producers and processors. With Manitoba’s potato sector deeply connected to processing, export markets, and a diverse network of growers and industry partners, the discussion will examine how innovation and collaboration can strengthen the industry’s competitiveness and resiliency. Susan Ainsworth is the general manager of the Keystone Potato Producers Association (KPPA), representing Manitoba’s processing potato growers in negotiations and in policy and advocacy work with government and industry stakeholders. She is passionate about agricultural education and sustainable food production and was recently named one of the 2026 Influential Women in

The Future of Farm Work: What Precision Agriculture Means for Manitoba’s Workforce

A new EMILI report examines how digital tools are changing farm work—and why skills, training, and support will determine who benefits. Technology is changing how farm work is planned, performed, and managed across Manitoba. GPS-guided equipment, sensors, variable-rate technology, and farm data platforms are helping producers make more precise decisions. They are helping to manage inputs and operate increasingly complex farms too. As this unfolds, the skills required of producers and their employees must evolve at an equal pace. The same holds true for students, advisors, and technical support providers. EMILI’s new report, The Future of Farm Work: How Precision Agriculture is Changing Labour and Skills in Manitoba Agriculture, examines what these changes mean for provincial workforce development, technology adoption, and rural communities. Its central finding is clear: precision agriculture should be treated as part of Manitoba’s broader workforce challenge. Technology can help far

Protect Grain from Allergen Risks

Proper allergen management helps protect grain quality, maintain export opportunities, and reduce contamination risks through careful cleaning, storage, transport, and recordkeeping practices.

Pulse Market Insight #304 – August 21, 2026

Harvest Opens on a Split Pulse Market The pulse harvest is finally rolling in western Canada, but at a slower-than-usual pace. As of August 17, only 18% of the Saskatchewan pea crop was in the bin, similar to last year but far behind the 10-year average of 55%, with lentils just 13% combined. The late start isn’t a problem yet, but it does mean the crop needs a stretch of favourable weather to avoid quality issues. Early reports add another wrinkle: pea yields are coming in lighter than the good-looking crop stands suggested. Harvest still has to move north before the yield debate can be settled. For now, average yields remain the working assumption. What makes this year unusual is how differently the two halves of the pea market are setting up. Based on an average yield, the yellow pea crop would be roughly 30% smaller than last year, and total yellow supplies would drop by about 650,000 tonnes, tightening the balance sheet considerably. Green peas are the flipside; even with a smal

© 2026   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service