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The Role of Electrical Automation in Enhancing Kneehill County’s Industrial Growth


Electrical automation has become integral to the industrial sector, revolutionizing businesses’ operations and increasing efficiency. Kneehill County, located in Alberta, has experienced significant industrial growth over the years, and electrical automation has played a crucial role in this development. Kneehill County has achieved higher productivity, efficiency, and safety levels by implementing electrical automation in its industries. Automation has enabled businesses to operate 24/7 without human intervention, increasing production rates and reducing costs. In this blog post, we will examine how electrical automation has significantly enhanced Kneehill County’s industrial growth, making it a hub for innovation and progress in the industrial sector.

Advent of Electrical Automation in Kneehill County

With the advent of electrical automation, Kneehill County’s industrial growth entered a new phase. Electrical automation increased efficiency, productivity, and safety in manufacturing and production processes, leading to new industries such as electronics, robotics, and automation. Today, Kneehill County is home to a diverse range of industries, including agriculture, oil and gas, manufacturing, and technology.

Overall, Kneehill County’s combination of a rich natural resource base, strategic location, and supportive business environment has allowed it to thrive and grow. With continued investment in infrastructure and technology, the county is set for even greater success in the future.

Impact of Electrical Automation on Kneehill County

The implementation of electrical automation has significantly impacted Kneehill County’s industrial growth. The following subsections outline the enhancements in manufacturing efficiency, agricultural productivity advancements, and energy management improvements.

Enhancements in Manufacturing Efficiency

Electrical automation has made manufacturing processes more efficient and streamlined. Automated assembly lines have reduced the need for manual labour and increased production rates. Sensors and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) have allowed precise machinery control, reducing waste and improving product quality. Additionally, real-time monitoring of production processes has enabled quicker identification and resolution of issues, reducing downtime and increasing overall productivity.

Agricultural space with electrical automation in Kneehill county to achieve higher productivity, efficiency, and safety levels.

Advancements in Agricultural Productivity

Electrical automation has also significantly impacted the agricultural sector in Kneehill County. Automated irrigation systems have improved water efficiency and reduced labour costs. Precision agriculture techniques, such as GPS-guided tractors and drones, have allowed for more precise application of fertilizers and pesticides, resulting in increased crop yields and reduced environmental impact. Using sensors and data analytics has also enabled farmers to make more informed decisions regarding crop management, resulting in improved efficiency and profitability.

Agricultural space with electrical automation in Kneehill county to achieve higher productivity, efficiency, and safety levels.

Improvements in Energy Management

Electrical automation has also played a key role in improving energy management in Kneehill County. Smart grid technology has enabled more efficient distribution and management of electricity, reducing energy waste and costs. Implementing energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems has also resulted in significant energy savings for industrial and commercial buildings. Additionally, using renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, has reduced reliance on fossil fuels and contributed to a more sustainable energy future for the county.

The benefits of electrical automation are not limited to large corporations. Small businesses in Kneehill County have also embraced automation, allowing them to compete with larger companies and expand their operations. With the help of automation, businesses in Kneehill County have been able to streamline their processes, reduce waste, and increase their bottom line. Choosing the right partner is crucial when enhancing industrial growth through electrical automation. Current Group has established itself as an electrical automation company and a trusted provider of electrical design, installation, automation, and maintenance services in Western Canada. With a deep understanding of the agricultural, industrial, and food & beverage industries, Current Group is the go-to company for businesses in these sectors. If you want to enhance your industrial growth through electrical automation, contact Current Group today and experience the difference they can make in your operations.

As winter approaches, cattle ranchers face the critical challenge of ensuring their herds maintain optimal health and growth despite the harsh conditions. One often overlooked factor is the temperature of drinking water, which plays a significant role in the overall well-being and productivity of range cattle during cold months. In this article, we will explore how water temperature impacts water consumption and growth performance and how Current Group’s Open2O cattle trough heater can make a difference by preventing freezing and ensuring water availability.

The Impact of Access to Water on Cattle Health

Research consistently shows that water availability is critical to cattle’s water intake, especially during winter. Frozen water can drastically reduce consumption, as cattle cannot access the necessary water. This leads to dehydration and increased energy expenditure, as cattle use more energy to maintain their body temperature in the cold. 

This increase in water intake is crucial because it correlates with higher dry matter intake (DMI), which is essential for maintaining body weight and overall health during the cold season.

According to Jon DeClerck, Ph.D., cattle nutritionist with Purina Animal Nutrition, “Water is the most essential nutrient for cattle production,” says “It’s used for regulating body temperature, growth, reproduction, lactation, digestion and many other bodily functions. Water also drives intake for mineral, forage and supplements. And while we typically worry more about water intake in summer, it’s equally as important in cold weather.”

“For fall calving herds, water requirements go up drastically during lactation. Cows hit peak lactation right when water is at risk of freezing up. With spring calving herds, water access is key to avoid stress and long-term performance impacts to both the cow and unborn calf.”

Consequences of Inadequate Water Intake in Winter

When cattle do not have consistent access to water due to freezing conditions, the consequences can be severe. Insufficient water intake leads to dehydration, reduced feed intake (which affects nutrition), and poor growth performance. Instead, energy that should be used for growth is used to maintain body temperature, leading to weight loss and a decline in body condition. Additionally, water shortages can disrupt rumen fermentation, nutrient absorption, and overall cattle health, further compromising productivity.

Ideal Water Temperature and its Effect on Your Herd

Ensuring that water is available to cattle throughout winter is crucial to their hydration and growth. However, a balance needs to be met in terms of your water temperature.

Kate Hornyak, OSU Extension Program Coordinator, Delaware County, says, Keeping the ideal temperature of drinking water for cattle is a balance – it should neither be hot nor frozen.” – “It’s interesting to note that steers with access to cool drinking water have shown to gain an additional 0.3 to 0.4 pounds per day compared to those consuming warmer water. This underscores the importance of regularly checking the temperature of water, especially in waterers equipped with heaters, to avoid what’s known as a “runaway” – a situation where the water gets too warm.”

Cattle Trough Heater Open2O: Preventing Frozen Water

To address the challenges of water freezing during the cold season, Current Group offers the Open2O advanced electric device, an innovative solution designed to monitor water temperature and regulate the power to the heating element. Unlike traditional heating systems that continuously warm water, Open2O ensures that water remains just above freezing, reducing energy consumption and ensuring that cattle always have access to water.

Features of Open2O Water Controller

  • Power Savings: The Cattle Trough Heater Open2O has multiple temperature inputs, which allows it to monitor water temperature every 30 seconds and turn on the heating elements only as needed. This optimized control has been proven to cut substantial power usage, with an estimated minimum of 53% power savings.
  • Real-Time Water Consumption Report: The Cattle Trough Heater Open2O system provides real-time reports on water consumption, which allows cattle operators to monitor water intake per animal. This data helps identify potential issues early on, as it compares water usage across different troughs, signalling if a problem arises with any specific bowl. Accurate water consumption data supports better animal health analysis, ensuring every animal is adequately hydrated.
  • Alarm Options for Consumption and Temperature: The Cattle Trough Heater Open2O has alarm options that alert operators to unusual consumption patterns—whether too high or too low—indicating potential issues like a broken water line. The system also notifies operators if the water temperature drops too close to freezing.
  • Labour and Stress Reduction: With Open2O’s remote monitoring capabilities, feedlot operators no longer need to send staff out in cold temperatures to check water bowls. Instead, they can view the software and confirm that all water sources remain open, reducing labour costs and management stress year-round.

 

With these features, Open2O provides a comprehensive solution to prevent water bowls from freezing, monitor water consumption, and support cattle health through the cold months.

Critical Benefits of Cattle Trough Heater Open2O

  • Prevents Water from Freezing: Open2O ensures that water remains accessible, avoiding water freezing in bowls.
  • Energy Efficiency: By regulating the power to the heating element, Open2O conserves energy, reducing costs while maintaining water availability.
  • Durability and Reliability: Built to withstand harsh winter conditions, Open2O ensures uninterrupted access to water throughout the cold months.
  • Improved Growth Performance: By preventing frozen water, Open2O supports cattle hydration, feed utilization, and overall growth performance.


Providing unfrozen drinking water during winter is more than just a comfort for cattle—it’s essential to maintaining their health and growth. With the Open2O device from Current Group, ranchers can ensure that their cattle have continuous access to water, even in the coldest months. Invest in cattle trough heater Open2O today to secure your herd’s health and boost your bottom line this winter.

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