The Rise of the Robotic Farm: How Tech is Transforming Ontario Agriculture
For Don Badour, a Lanark County beef farmer, technology isn’t about replacing traditional methods – it’s about enhancing them. His cattle, sporting orange collars, are a visible sign of a quiet revolution happening across Ontario’s agricultural landscape. These aren’t fashion statements. they’re part of a virtual fencing system that monitors herd movement and wellbeing, offering peace of mind even while he’s away from the farm.
Virtual Fencing: A New Level of Livestock Management
Gallagher’s eShepherd system, utilized by Badour, employs GPS-enabled collars powered by solar energy. Farmers define paddock boundaries via a smartphone app or computer. The collars emit escalating beeps as cattle approach the virtual fence line, culminating in a mild shock if the boundary is breached. A speed sensor prevents shocks during emergencies, like when an animal is being chased.
“We found they train really quickly to it,” Badour noted during a panel discussion at the 2026 Northern Ontario Ag Conference. The investment, around $415 per collar with additional charging fees (minimum 20 collars), proved worthwhile when Badour remotely monitored a heifer calving in -24 Celsius temperatures, swiftly intervening to ensure the calf’s safety. “That $3,000 calf paid for quite a few collars right off the bat,” he said.
Beyond Virtual Fencing: AI and Robotics in the Field
The eShepherd system is just one example of a broader trend. Farmers are increasingly adopting affordable technology, robotic, and AI solutions to streamline operations and tackle labor challenges. David Tao, a robotics engineer, developed the Blitz ElectricWeeder, a robotic solution to weed control. Inspired by a friend’s struggle to find labor during the pandemic, Tao’s BHF Robotics created a machine that uses high-voltage electricity to zap weeds, differentiating between crops and unwanted growth.
The Blitz ElectricWeeder, priced between $100,000 and $400,000 plus a subscription fee, offers a cost-effective alternative to similar models exceeding $1 million. Tao claims farms can witness a return on investment within 12 months, primarily through time savings.
Connecting Farms with Innovative Solutions
Haggerty AgRobotics, based in Bothwell, Ontario, acts as a bridge between farmers and global robotic solutions. They focus on affordability and provide servicing and customization options. They offer robots like Naïo Technologies’ Oz, a small, autonomous weeder suitable for market gardens, priced at $55,000.
Jeff Pettit, Haggerty’s sales manager, emphasizes that robots aren’t about replacing farmers, but about improving efficiency and sustainability. Haggerty also addresses connectivity challenges in rural areas, exploring solutions like RTK, GPS, and even satellite systems.
The Future of Farming: Efficiency and Sustainability
These technologies aren’t just about making farming easier; they’re about making it more sustainable. By reducing reliance on herbicides and optimizing grazing patterns, farmers can minimize their environmental impact. The ability to remotely monitor livestock also improves animal welfare.
Lanark County grain and beef farmer Don Badour highlights the importance of recycling farm plastics, such as pesticide containers, through programs like Cleanfarms. He emphasizes the ease of triple-rinsing containers and utilizing collection bags.
The adoption of these technologies is particularly crucial in Northern Ontario, where shorter growing seasons demand a rapid return on investment. Haggerty’s Oz robot, for example, can pay for itself within a year or two for market garden operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is virtual fencing? Virtual fencing uses GPS and electronic cues to create boundaries for livestock without physical fences.
- How much does the eShepherd system cost? The collars cost approximately $415 each, with a minimum order of 20, plus charging fees.
- What is the Blitz ElectricWeeder? It’s a robotic weeder that uses electricity to kill weeds, differentiating between crops and unwanted plants.
- How much does the Blitz ElectricWeeder cost? The price ranges from $100,000 to $400,000 plus a subscription fee.
- What does Haggerty AgRobotics do? They source and provide robotic solutions for Canadian farms, offering servicing and customization.
Pro Tip: Explore government grants and funding programs to help offset the cost of adopting new agricultural technologies.
Did you know? In 2021, over 6.2 million empty pesticide containers were returned for recycling through Cleanfarms, representing a 12.5% increase from the previous year.
What are your thoughts on the role of technology in the future of farming? Share your comments below and explore more articles on sustainable agriculture!
