In the face of increasing global interest in artificial intelligence, data centres that train and run complex artificial intelligence models are beginning to pop up in rural communities. In this Part 1 of a two-part conversation, David Gerhard and Robert Saik dig into the realities of data centre expansion, why Western Canada is such an attractive location for these facilities, and the impact of AI on agriculture in general.

What do data centres do exactly and how much power do they need to run? What fears do people have when it comes to new data centres in their communities? How do we have an earnest conversation between those on either side of the argument and address the pros and cons in a balanced way? On this episode, we begin to dig in on AI, Data Centers and Agriculture.

Meet Our Guests

• David Gerhard: Head of Computer Science University of Manitoba

Dr. David Gerhard is Professor and Head of Computer Science at the University of Manitoba. With more than two decades of experience in technology, education, and research, he specializes in artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and human-computer interaction. Known for making complex technology topics accessible and engaging, David is a sought-after speaker who helps people understand how emerging technologies are shaping the way we live, work, and learn. David brings a grounded perspective on tech advancements to people from all different walks of life. Between TED talks and media coverage on savvy social media consumption, David connects with people in a real and approachable way.

• Robert Saik: Professional Agrologist and CEO of T1 Technology Corporation

Robert Saik is a distinguished agrologist, entrepreneur, and international consultant with over forty years of experience in the agriculture industry. In 2021, he was recognized as one of Canada’s Top 50 Most Influential Agriculture Leaders and one of Canada’s Top 10 Ag Mentors. He is the founder and CEO of T1 Technology Corporation which is the developer of AGvisorPRO a global mobile connectivity platform for agriculture as well as visorPRO.ai a solution leverage AI in the farm equipment and construction sectors. Robert has worked with prominent figures, including Nigeria's Minister of Agriculture and Bill Gates, and was one of only three private citizens to address the 2020 FAO-UN High Level Special Event on agriculture sustainability.

About UFA

Founded in 1909, UFA Co-operative Limited is an Alberta-based agricultural co-operative with more than 125,000 member-owners. UFA’s network comprises more than 121 bulk fuel and Cardlock Petroleum locations, 35 Farm & Ranch Supply stores and a support office in Calgary, AB. Independent Petroleum Agents and over 1,200 UFA employees provide products, services and agricultural solutions to farmers, ranchers, members and commercial customers in Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan. UFA has been named the 2026 Large Co-operative of the Year by Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada (CMC), a national recognition that celebrates co-operatives making a meaningful contribution to communities and co-operatives and mutuals across Canada. Learn more at UFA.com.

About Your Host

Don Shafer, PhD, is an award winning broadcaster, veteran media executive, and recipient of the Canadian Music Hall of Fame’s Lifetime Achievement Award. He holds a PhD in Social Justice, bringing a rare blend of industry expertise and academic insight to the evolving media landscape.

Credits

Host: Don Shafer, PhD
Guests: David Gerhard, Robert Saik
Senior Writer: Eric La Febre
Showrunner: Jessica Grajczyk
Audio Producer: Scott Whittaker
Executive Producer: Jennifer Smith
Contributor: Trish Nixon

#podcast #farming #datadentres

Soil means everything. Without healthy soil, you have no crop and without a crop you have no product. Though we understand the importance of crop yield and agricultural output, are we paying enough attention to the soil? As larger format operations boom alongside local family farms, we want to dig in and see just what can be done about giving back to the land. What is the importance of a cover crop and why is it useful to farmers during on and off season? What is the importance of SAP testing, used to measure the nutrient density and health of plant tissue? How does the presence of Actinomycetes infer a fertile soil? In this episode, we’re digging deep to get to the root of Soil Health in Agriculture.

Meet Our Guests

Tannis Axten, Co-Owner of Axten Family Farms

Axten Family Farms was the first Canadian farm to earn Regenified certification. Tannis and her family have transformed their operation through low disturbance farming, intercropping, cover crops, pollinator habitat and livestock integration. Their commitment to rebuilding soil health has led to dramatic improvements in soil structure, aggregation, infiltration and biological life—including earthworm populations and living roots year-round. Beyond agronomy, the Axtens have also built a food-grade seed cleaning plant, flour mill and packaging line to add value to their grains. Tannis is known for her curiosity, honesty about the ups and downs of regenerative farming and her relentless drive to “give back to the soil” every season.

Blain Hjertaas, Rancher and Holistic Management Educator

After spending his first 25 years farming the conventional “high-tech” way, Blain transitioned to a grass-based, Holistic Management system that emphasizes adaptive multi-paddock grazing, plant diversity, and rebuilding soil function. Today, he supports producers across the prairies by measuring soil carbon and water holding improvements on working farms and by coaching families through practical, profitability focused transitions. His work has included the General Mills Oat Pilot Project, one of the largest agro-ecological efforts to assess carbon sequestration and ecological function in North American grain systems. A frequent keynote and field-day speaker, Blain also serves as a Holistic Management educator and has instructed at the University of Manitoba. In recognition of the on-farm outcomes achieved with his family at Redvers, Saskatchewan, Blain and his wife Naomi received the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association Environmental Stewardship Award (TESA) in 2018.

About UFA

Founded in 1909, UFA Co-operative Limited is an Alberta-based agricultural co-operative with more than 125,000 member-owners. UFA’s network comprises more than 121 bulk fuel and Cardlock Petroleum locations, 35 Farm & Ranch Supply stores and a support office in Calgary, AB. Independent Petroleum Agents and over 1,200 UFA employees provide products, services and agricultural solutions to farmers, ranchers, members and commercial customers in Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan. Learn more at UFA.com.

About Your Host
Don Shafer, PhD, is an award winning broadcaster, veteran media executive, and recipient of the Canadian Music Hall of Fame’s Lifetime Achievement Award. He holds a PhD in Social Justice, bringing a rare blend of industry expertise and academic insight to the evolving media landscape.

Credits
Host: Don Shafer, PhD
Guests: Tannis Axten, Blain Hjertaas
Senior Writer: Eric La Febre
Showrunner: Jessica Grajczyk
Audio Producer: Scott Whittaker
Executive Producer: Jennifer Smith
Contributor: Trish Nixon

Farmers and ranchers are facing an unprecedented surge in the Richardson Ground Squirrel population with devastating effects to crops, pasture and farmland. The temporary lift of the nationwide ban on Strychnine in parts of Alberta and Saskatchewan has aided in crisis mitigation, but when the ban goes into effect again in 2027, what will farmers and ranchers do to maintain stability knowing full well the problem will return? Should the PMRA (Pest Management Regulatory Agency) be able to ban the use of effective tools especially when there are few alternatives? What will happen in 2027 and will it affect food security for consumers or agricultural stability for farmers? How do we trust our farmers and ranchers with pest control autonomy while also ensuring proper use of dangerous chemicals? In this episode, we’re digging into emergency Strychnine use.

Meet Our Guests

Wade Nelson, Owner and Operator of Highwood Valley Ranch
Along with his wife and parents, Wade owns and operates Highwood Valley Ranch––a fourth generation family operation south of Calgary and west of High River, Alberta. The ranch offers a mix of Angus cattle that are started and finished on grass and free choice oats. With 1500 acres of grain and 700 acres of grass, Highwood Valley Ranch is a mixed farm operation.

Jason Schneider, Rancher, Reeve of Vulcan County and Vice President of RMA Board

Jason owns and operates a fourth-generation grain farm in Vulcan County with his wife and two kids. He has sat on Vulcan County Council since 2013, serving as Reeve since 2016. Jason joined the RMA Board (Rural Municipalities of Alberta) in 2020 as the Director for District 1 and was elected Vice‑President in 2025 which includes all 69 rural and specialized municipalities in the province. Within the RMA, Jason serves on several internal committees, including federal advocacy, policy review, and the RMA Resolutions Committee, where he serves as Chair.

About UFA

UFA Co-operative was founded in 1909, UFA Co-operative Limited is an Alberta-based agricultural co-operative with more than 125,000 member-owners. UFA’s network comprises more than 121 bulk fuel and Cardlock Petroleum locations, 35 Farm & Ranch Supply stores and a support office in Calgary, AB. Independent Petroleum Agents and over 1,200 UFA employees provide products, services and agricultural solutions to farmers, ranchers, members and commercial customers in Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan. UFA is proud to give back to rural communities, ensuring they thrive for generations to come. Learn more at UFA.com.

About Your Host

Don Shafer, PhD, is an award winning broadcaster, veteran media executive, and recipient of the Canadian Music Hall of Fame’s Lifetime Achievement Award. He holds a PhD in Social Justice, bringing a rare blend of industry expertise and academic insight to the evolving media landscape.

Credits
Host: Don Shafer, PhD
Guests: Wade Nelson, Jason Schneider
Senior Writer: Eric La Febre
Showrunner: Jessica Grajczyk
Audio Producer: Scott Whittaker
Executive Producer: Jennifer Smith
Contributor: Trish Nixon