SLICE of Success: Innovating Machinery for the Saskatchewan Wild Rice Industry

Chris Thomson, the program lead for Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Agricultural Equipment Technician program, known for his expertise in machinery repair, took his skills beyond the classroom. He teamed up with #STEPMember, NWC Wild Rice Company, an Indigenous-owned enterprise, to tackle a challenge that’s been troubling harvesters for years.

The problem? Current wild rice harvester boats rely on recreational components that are expensive, are prone to failure, and quickly outdated. Thomson and his team at the Sustainability-Led Integrated Centres of Excellence (SLICE) are on a mission to change that.

Picture this: modular boats equipped with cutting-edge, easily repairable propulsion systems, specifically designed to power through the tall, grass-like wild rice fields. And that’s just the beginning. The project taps into Sask Polytech’s deep well of expertise, bringing together top talent from welding, machining, and manufacturing to create something truly revolutionary.

The first prototype hit the water this year, with a second, even more powerful version on the way. The project is embracing smart technology. Thanks to the innovative thinking of Lead design-tech/fabricator, Quintin Dudragne’s innovative thinking has outfitted the boats with precision farming tech, including GPS systems that track every movement. The industry will eventually market wild rice with blockchain data that tells the story of where and when it was harvested!

This isn’t just about building better boats; it’s about empowering northern Indigenous communities with the tools and knowledge to sustain their livelihoods for generations to come. STEP is thrilled to be part of this journey and support the collaboration of #STEPMembers.

Read the full story in the Summer 2024 edition of Global Ventures (pg. 17)!