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TLDR: In this MAY edition of Fast Facts:
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- LWR Joins the Global Agrifood Conversation at Inventures
- Innovation Spotlight: Celebrating a Win at Avatar Shark Tank
- New Tech Worth Tracking: Meet Cosmofield - Soil Moisture Testing
- Karleigh's Korner: How the First Wave System
- Team LWR On the Move for Multiple Sclerosis
- Original Tech. Proven Results. Accept No Substitutes.
- Recognized on the World Stage for Water Innovation
- Containerized Systems Ready for Global Deployment
- Carbon Credit Buyers are Waiting. Are You Ready to Sell?
- And Honoring Fathers Everywhere
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LWR JOINS GLOBAL AGRIFOOD CONVERSATION AT INVENTURES |
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This month at Cultivating Connections by
SVG Ventures | THRIVE, Calgary became a global collision point for agrifood innovation and LWR was right at the center.
Our CEO and Co-Founder Karen Schuett joined the Innovating Across Borders panel alongside leaders from Kagome Co. (Japan) and BASF, moderated by ag industry changemaker Kim McConnell. Together, they explored how cross-continental partnerships, clean technology, and scalable solutions are shaping the next generation of agriculture.
From Tokyo to Argentina, startup to scale-up, the energy in the room reflected a shared commitment to progress through collaboration. With support from organizations like FCC, Calgary Economic Development, and an impressive lineup of founders from the Academy VI and Canada IV cohorts, the global agrifood ecosystem was in full force.
LWR is proud to contribute to a conversation that crosses borders, connects people, and moves the industry forward.
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INNOVATION SPOTLIGHT: A WIN AT AVATAR SHARK TANK
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Congratulations to LWR Hailey Poole, LWR Senior Chemist, and her team, who won first place in the methane mitigation category of the earlier this month!
As part of a 15-week clean tech accelerator, Hailey’s team developed a groundbreaking concept involving autonomous floating islands that detect and mitigate methane emissions from tailings ponds.
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Their pitch impressed a panel of industry executives and earned top honors in their stream. Up next? The Studio phase, where selected teams receive funding, mentorship in commercialization and IP development, and further support to bring their idea to life.
Way to lead with innovation, Hailey. We're proud of you!
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Meet Cosmofield: Smarter Soil Moisture Sensing
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Cosmofield is a new system developed by Bauer’s
Irricontrol team that uses Cosmic-Ray Neutron Sensing (CRNS) to monitor soil
moisture in real time across wide areas — up to 10 hectares. That’s a big step
up from point sensors or satellite-based tools.
This technology gives producers a more accurate read on
soil conditions, helping guide irrigation decisions with less uncertainty and
more precision. It’s a strong example of data-driven ag that aligns with our
mission at LWR.
We’re watching this closely as part of our commitment to
sustainable water and nutrient management.
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THE FIRST WAVE DOES WHAT OTHER SEPARATORS CAN'T
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Anyone who has worked with manure separation equipment
knows that performance can vary. Some systems get the job done for basic solids
removal, but others leave a lot behind. When it comes to suspended solids and
phosphorus, that leftover material adds up fast. It weighs on your lagoon, your
nutrient management plan, and your time.
At LWR, we have spent years working alongside farms that
needed a more effective solution. That is what led to the development of First
Wave™, a system designed to remove more, handle finer solids, and support long
term nutrient recovery. It combines mechanical design with applied chemistry to
do what traditional separators often cannot.
This month I am sharing how the First Wave™ system compares to
common mechanical systems and why our approach to polymer use makes such a
difference in the results you see on the ground.
Let’s Talk Solids
If you have used slope screens, screw presses, or centrifuges, you already know the drill. They can remove a chunk of the solids, but they do not catch the fine stuff. And it is the fine stuff that tends to cause trouble. It builds up in lagoons, loads up your nutrients, and leaves you dealing with more than you should have to.
This is not just our observation. Research from
university trials shows that most mechanical systems only remove 15 to 30
percent of total solids and less than 20 percent of phosphorus (Burns and
Moody). That is a long way from what most farms need.
How It Works
The First Wave™ is a chemical mechanical system that does the
prep work most systems skip. It starts with flocculation. We inject polymer
right into the manure stream to bind fine particles into larger flocs. Then we
mix it with just the right amount of energy to build strong, stable clusters.
Once that is done, we run it across a fine mesh slope screen designed to catch
those flocs before they break apart.
What matters here is the control. We are not relying on
gravity or brute force. We are using chemistry, turbulence, and thoughtful
design to get better separation with less waste left behind.
The Polymer Difference
Now let’s talk about how First Wave™ handles polymers
because not all systems are polymer friendly.
Centrifuges use polymer too, but the way they use it is
rough. It is injected right before the manure enters a high speed spin cycle,
and those forces can tear the flocs apart before they have had a chance to
settle. That means you often have to add more polymer, adjust it constantly,
and even then your results can vary from day to day.
First Wave™ is built differently. We give the polymer
time to do its job and we control the energy it sees. That means stronger
flocs, cleaner separation, and less polymer needed overall. It is more
efficient, more stable, and easier to manage. This is especially helpful for
farms that do not want to babysit their separator all day.
One of the tools that helps make this possible is grō™,
our 100 percent biodegradable, PFAS-free, carbon-based flocculant. It works
within the First Wave™ and PLANT systems to enhance separation while building
healthier soil structure, improving water retention, and reducing erosion. grō™
leaves no residual impact on treated water or soil and helps deliver clean
water and valuable nutrients in a safer, more sustainable way.
Want to learn more? Ask us for your copy of grō™ FAQs
Answered.
Final Thoughts
If your current separator is leaving too much behind or
making you fight with polymer dosing every week, it might be time to take a
closer look at First Wave™. We built it because we knew farms needed a better
first step. One that sets you up for success with nutrient recovery, lagoon
management, and long term sustainability.
Not all systems are built with the end in mind. The First
Wave™ is.
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References
Burns R T and Moody L B. 2002. Phosphorus recovery from
animal manures using optimized coagulation and flocculation procedures.
Transactions of the ASAE, 45(2), 637–644.
Møller H B, Sommer S G, and Ahring B K. 2002. Separation
efficiency and particle size distribution in relation to manure type and
separation technique. Bioresource Technology, 85(2), 113–117.
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TEAM LWR MOVES FOR MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
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This May, our team stepped up for the May 50K Challenge, walking, running, and rolling toward 50 kilometers each to raise funds and awareness for MS Canada. Together, we’ve logged 1,008.52 kilometers (and counting), officially surpassing our 1,000-kilometer goal!! That’s the power of moving with purpose.
There’s still time to make an impact. Donations are being accepted until May 31, and every dollar supports life-changing research and support for those living with multiple sclerosis. Thank you for helping us finish strong!
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ORIGINAL TECHNOLOGY. PROVEN RESULTS. |
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For more than a decade, LWR has been advancing the science of manure treatment. What began as a bold idea has grown into a suite of fully integrated systems that recover nutrients, reclaim water, and deliver real value on the farm.
Driven by a relentless commitment to innovation, we don’t wait for market trends to guide our decisions — we set them. Our technology is reshaping what’s possible in sustainable agriculture, leading the way in nutrient recovery and water reuse.
Through ongoing R&D, field-proven improvements, and deep collaboration with producers, our systems have evolved into the most advanced manure treatment platforms in the world, with operations across North America and in key global markets.
We’re proud to say we’ve become #1 at treating #2... and we’re just getting started!
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RECOGNIZED ON THE WORLD STAGE FOR WATER INNOVATION
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Just this week, LWR was recognized as a Highly Commended finalist at the Water Dragons 2025 Canadian Heat - a global innovation showcase hosted by the UK’s Future Water Association.
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Water Dragons brings together the most promising water technologies from across the globe, spotlighting solutions that are shaping the future of water management. Being named a finalist is a testament to our team’s focus on results-driven innovation and to the global relevance of the work we’re doing in manure and digestate treatment.
We’re proud to stand alongside a strong cohort of Canadian innovators pushing boundaries in the water sector.
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CONTAINERIZED SYSTEMS READY FOR GLOBAL DEPLOYMENT
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Did you know the LWR First Wave and PLANT systems can be fully containerized for seamless shipping and delivery? Whether crossing borders or crossing oceans, our advanced nutrient recovery technology arrives pre-assembled, tested, and ready for deployment - anywhere it's needed.
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HONORING FATHERS EVERYWHERE |
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Whether it’s on the farm, in the shop, or at home, fathers lead in ways that shape the world around them. You teach by doing. You solve problems no one else sees. And you show what it means to work hard, care deeply, and lead with purpose.
As Father’s Day approaches, we want to say thank you for everything you do. We’re proud to recognize and celebrate you.
- The LWR Team
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Give Us the Gift of Feedback
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Whether you are an existing client, a future customer, an investor, or a
cheerleader, we'd love to hear from you!
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This edition of Fast Facts has been prepared by:
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