Regenerative Education

We are excited to announce the launch of a new initiative at Kirkview Farms, designed to bring together farmers, students, and community members in the pursuit of sustainable innovation and resilience in agriculture. This collaborative hub will serve as a center for hands-on learning and cutting-edge projects that address critical issues in food systems, environmental stewardship, and community well-being. Situated on the farm’s picturesque grounds, this space will support activities ranging from food preservation to the development of technologies like IoT systems for monitoring animal health and regenerative farming practices. By fostering collaboration and resource sharing, the initiative aims to build a stronger, regenerative future for both local and student populations.

Our growing team is at the heart of this transformative project. Students from Concordia University’s Innovation Lab have already made significant contributions, such as expanding Wi-Fi networks across the farm and designing IoT-enabled predator-proof chicken coops. One student leveraged thermophotography to detect early signs of livestock health issues, while others explored creative solutions like movable greenhouses that double as winter chicken coops and a design for a one-acre rotational crop garden. This winter, the team will dive deeper into these challenges, using innovation and technology to reimagine farming practices. By bringing fresh perspectives and collaborative energy, this initiative is paving the way for a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive agricultural future.

Photos coming soon!

References

  1. Olgen, B., Davidson, A.-L. (2024). La ludification de l’agriculture regénératrice peut être porteuse de changements réels. Le Devoir. Decembre 21st, 2024. https://www.ledevoir.com/opinion/idees/826690/ludification-agriculture-regeneratrice-peut-etre-porteuse-changements-reels?
  2. Davidson, A.-L. (2024). The Carrots in my Plate. LinkedIn. December 19, 2024. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/carrots-my-plate-ann-louise-davidson-3d8ie
  3. Davidson, A.-L. (2024). Innovation Lab Fall 2024 Student Challenges, 4th Space, Concordia University. November 29th, 2024. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEEI8cIcKik
  4. A.-L. Davidson. (2024). Regenerative Agriculture and Sustainable Stewardship—How Kirkview Farms Nurtures the Soil and Livestock. IEEE Technology and Society Magazine, vol. 43, no. 3, pp. 22-25, Sept. 2024, doi: 10.1109/MTS.2024.3450533. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/10704937
  5. A.-L. Davidson. (2024) From Professor to Gardener: A Transformative Summer at Kirkview Farms. LinkedIn. August 20th, 2024. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/from-professor-gardener-transformative-summer-farms-davidson-nwzge
  6. Davidson, A.-L., MacGillivray, M., Angers, S., Messier, J.-F., DeJong, S., Olgen, B., Blamey, C. Teixeira Montero, V.A., Mazoff, A., Duponsel, N. (2024). Game Design for Regenerative Agriculture. 4th Space, Concordia University. June 20th, 2024. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R05hfOPvUgs
  7. A.-L. Davidson. (2024). Cet été on fait l’école jardinière. La Presse. July 24, 2024. https://www.lapresse.ca/dialogue/opinions/2024-07-24/en-mode-solution/l-ete-on-fait-l-ecole-jardiniere.php