YORKTON - An AgTech Expo was held in Yorkton Wednesday as a vehicle to introduce Yorkton and area students to potential careers related to agriculture.
“It’s very much career driven around agriculture and agriculture technology,” explained Leah Hermanson, Fund Development Manager with Agriculture in the Classroom Saskatchewan (AITC-SK).
Agriculture in the Classroom Saskatchewan actually announced AgTech Expo as a partnership with Cornerstone Credit Union earlier this year as a collaboration which would “provide high school students with an immersive, hands-on experience exploring the latest career opportunities in agricultural technology and food production.”
Agriculture in the Classroom Saskatchewan (AITC-SK) is a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to enhancing students’ understanding and appreciation of agriculture.
The AgTech Expo was designed to introduce students to cutting-edge agriculture technology such as Sensors, Automation, Soil Testing, Biotechnology, Animal Science, and Robotics. With multiple interactive stations, students will have the unique opportunity to ask questions from local experts, participate in hands-on activities, and gain insight into the dynamic world of AgTech.
“We’re planting the seed – showing the opportunities,” said Hermanson.
Hermanson said more than 600 students Grades 7-12 from the city and surrounding area were scheduled to participate in the program which featured 12 stations.
Within the stations – all manned by volunteers – Hermanson said students would see a rather diverse range of careers which were related to agriculture.
“There’s so much,” she said, in particular pointing to the rapidly changing field of technology. “We don’t know what career opportunities in ag-technology will be. We always say the opportunities are endless.”
The stations included things such as robotics where autonomous operation of equipment is a fast-expanding area, virtual reality, cameras on cattle as a tool during calving and stations related to the canola and oat processing sectors which are major components of the Yorkton economy.
At many of the stations students could hear about the careers from those already employed in those fields, an aspect Hermanson said was really important.
“Hearing from people working in the field . . . having volunteers sharing their stories (was a key),” she said.
Having Cornerstone Credit Union was a boon for the program.
"Partnerships like this are essential in shaping the future of agriculture," said Sara Shymko, Executive Director of AITC-SK in a release at the time the program was announced. "Cornerstone Credit Union’s commitment to supporting education and innovation ensures that students not only learn about agriculture but also see the incredible career opportunities available in this ever-evolving industry."
Cornerstone Credit Union’s involvement in the AgTech Expo underscores its dedication to fostering growth and opportunity in local communities. By supporting initiatives that inspire and educate the next generation, they are playing a crucial role in ensuring a vibrant and sustainable future for the agricultural sector.
"We are thrilled to partner with AITC-SK for this impactful event," said Doug Jones, Chief Executive Officer at Cornerstone Credit Union in the release. "Agriculture is at the heart of our communities, and we believe in investing in students who will become the future leaders and innovators in this field. The AgTech Expo provides an incredible platform for them to explore, learn, and be inspired."
The AgTech Expo is part of thinkAG, a national career education initiative that strives to increase awareness and cultivate curiosity in agriculture and food careers among students across the country.
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