The Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute at Humboldt held a special event on Thursday.

Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart used the opportunity to announce nearly $1 million in funding. The money will help PAMI continue machinery technology research. A portion will also go to PAMI's Western Beef Development Centre, which conducts beef, feed and forage research.

In addition, PAMI honored the 'Big Four' ---innovations that have help Saskatchewan evolve into an agricultural powerhouse. The 'Big Four' are air-drills, tractors, sprayers and combines.

"These are critical pillars of grains and oilseed production in Saskatchewan," said Dave Gullacher, President and CEO of PAMI. "There has been tremendous innovation in these technologies over the decades. We want to trace that and look ahead to where they will be heading for the next 35 years."

PAMI hosted a focus group of 50 agricultural leaders to brainstorm the future direction of farm technology. Results of the session will be released on Friday, November 2.

PAMI was established in 1974 and has research facilities at Humboldt and Portage La Prairie, Manitoba. There are 80 employees at the Humboldt location.