Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1

Schuyler Farms is a diversified farming operation that includes apples, sour cherries, sheep, and grains (corn, soybeans, and wheat. Their business challenges include detailed weather tracking, herd management, farm dog management, accurate crop input applications (ex: fungicide), and minimal data connectivity across the farm. Ontario produced more than $81 million in farm gate value of apples in 2017, and fungus and related impacts are a major threat those farm gate revenues. Accurate weather tracking with reliable long range sensors can help to accurately time fungicide applications, and reduce the rate of spraying. Mohawk College will collaborate with Schuyler Farms and QuaeNet Inc. to assess the technical feasibility of (a) using distributed weather monitoring systems to help reduce the application of fungicides in an apple orchard and (b) using asset tracking devices to monitor the location and activity of sheep herding dogs. Schuyler Farms' 4,000-acre farm operation utilizes Maremma dogs to help manage their sheep herd. This includes protecting from predators like coyotes. However, the dogs can travel a significant distance and require time to manage. GPS sensors on each of the dogs' collars connected to a mobile app will help the Schuyler Farms' team to manage their dogs and understand potential threats to the sheep herd. Mohawk will solve Schuyler Farms's business challenges with QuaeNet, LoRa sensors, and Mohawk's Wayne Visser, and Mohawk students in electronics and software to provide innovative solutions. The project outcomes will benefit Schuyler Farms, QuaeNet, Canadian fruit farms, and farm dog and sheep herd management across the country. The project work will have national benefits on the $224.6 million in apple farming by supporting the detailed understanding of weather impacts with LoRa sensors, and working towards more accurately fungicide by timing and amount. Further, QuaeNet's sensors and mobile apps will have tracking benefits for apple orchards and other fruit farming, as well as farm dogs across Canada.