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S01 E12: Rural Technology

2025-09-1046:50


In this episode of Digging In with UFA, we explore how rural communities and agricultural operations are embracing technology to drive innovation, sustainability, and connection. From smart agriculture tools to the power of social media, rural technology is transforming how we farm, learn, and engage. How does AG use the momentous strides in modern day technology to its advantage in precision agriculture and sustainability? What role has social media played in educating people about agriculture? Our guests bridge the gap between technology solutions in agriculture and their established analog counterparts.

Your Guests

Stuart Cullum, President, Red Deer Polytechnic

Stuart Cullum is a visionary leader in Alberta's post-secondary landscape, currently serving as the 12th President of Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP). With a career spanning the private, public, and non-profit sectors, Stuart brings a dynamic blend of experience in education, agriculture, business development, and innovation.

Before joining RDP in 2022, Stuart led Olds College of Agriculture and Technology as President, where he spearheaded transformative initiatives including the launch of the Werklund School of Agriculture Technology and the Olds College Smart Farm—a nationally recognized innovation ecosystem advancing ag-tech through education, applied research, and industry collaboration. His leadership attracted over $75 million in external investment and positioned Olds College as Canada's Smart Agriculture College.

Stuart's earlier roles include Vice President Academic and Chief Operations Officer at Lethbridge College, Vice President Agriculture at Northlands, and Executive Director at novaNAIT. He also operated a commercial cattle and poultry farm for a decade, grounding his leadership in real-world ag experience.

He holds degrees in History and Education from the University of Lethbridge, an MBA in Technology Transfer from the University of Alberta, and is an Accredited Professional Director. Stuart has served on numerous boards and advisory committees, including Covenant Health, Canadian Agri-Food Automation & Intelligence Network (CAIIN), Agriculture for Life, and Alberta's Skills for Jobs Taskforce.





Charlotte Wasylyk, Chatsworth Farms

Charlotte Wasylyk is a passionate advocate for agriculture and digital storytelling, helping bridge the gap between farm life and the public through engaging online content. She farms alongside her family at Chatsworth Farms, a mixed operation in Vermilion, Alberta, raising cattle, sheep, poultry, and grains using sustainable practices.

During the pandemic, Charlotte launched a series of virtual farm tours that quickly gained international attention, offering viewers a behind-the-scenes look at everything from calving season to collecting pastel-hued eggs. Her authentic and educational approach has built a loyal social media following and inspired the farm's annual Open Farm Days, welcoming visitors to experience agriculture firsthand.

Charlotte's work has earned her the Rising Star Award at the Women in Ag Awards, recognizing young leaders under 40 who demonstrate exceptional promise and passion for the industry. She holds credentials in Event Management, Visual Design, and Digital Publishing from NAIT, and balances her farm duties with a career in marketing at a local credit union.

Through her storytelling and advocacy, Charlotte continues to make agriculture accessible, relatable, and inspiring for audiences across Alberta and beyond.





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