The Alberta Alfalfa Seed Commission has hired a research director.
Brad Alexander joined the commission several weeks ago and is in the process of planning a research strategy.
“We haven’t really nailed down any set plans yet,” he said July 28 at the start of the commission’s annual field tour.
“I’m going to identify the needs of the alfalfa seed producers first and go from there. There’s no exact set plans as of yet. There are some ideas, such as different plant growth regulators and possible sorting of bees using infrared sorter technology.”
Alexander has an agriculture degree from Dalhousie University and an associate’s degree in agriculture from the University of Fraser Valley.
“My background is mostly with berry crops. I’ve done a lot of field inspections for crop insurance. I’ve worked with plant growth regulators in blueberries and strawberries, and I did a little bit of work with potatoes.”
He anticipates research will include testing chemicals to add to growers’ arsenal against in-crop pests.
barb.glen@producer.com
