Episode 11: Making Innovation Real: Bridging the Gap Between Research and the Farm
Episode 11 · March 20, 2026
Jesse Hirsh speaks with Todd Ormann of Olds College about why so many promising agricultural technologies struggle to reach the farm, and what it actually takes to close that gap — from applied research and Smart Farms to workforce development and Canada's fragmented innovation system.
Overview
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
- The gap between innovation and adoption in agriculture
- The role of applied research institutions like Olds College
- Smart Farms, data, and real-world validation
- Workforce development and the future of agricultural skills
- Rethinking Canada's agri-food innovation system
Guest
Todd Ormann is Vice-President, External Relations & Research at Olds College of Agriculture & Technology. He works at the intersection of applied research, industry partnership, and workforce development — focused on translating innovation into practical, farm-ready tools and systems.