Innovation in agriculture isn’t the problem—implementation is.

In this episode of The Future Herd, Jesse Hirsh sits down with Todd Ormann of Olds College to explore why so many promising technologies struggle to reach the farm, and what it actually takes to close that gap.

From the role of applied research and Smart Farms to the fragmentation of Canada’s innovation system, this conversation unpacks the infrastructure behind real progress. Todd offers a grounded perspective on validation, trust, workforce development, and the institutions needed to translate ideas into practice.

This is a conversation about the work that happens after the breakthrough—and why it matters more than ever.

Key Themes

1. The gap between innovation and adoption in agriculture
2. The role of applied research institutions like Olds College
3. Smart Farms, data, and real-world validation
4. Workforce development and the future of agricultural skills
5. Rethinking Canada’s agri-food innovation system

Guest

Todd Ormann

Vice-President, External Relations & Research

Olds College of Agriculture & Technology

Host

Jesse Hirsh

The Future Herd

Links

1. Olds College of Agriculture & Technology: https://www.oldscollege.ca/
2. Learn more about The Future Herd: https://thefutureherd.ca/