Barley funding
The Alberta Barley Commission has attracted more than $5 million in additional research funding since August.It has worked with government and industry partners in an attempt to reverse the trend of declining government funding. Over the last 10 months, the commission has achieved a ratio of 12:1, or $12 from investors for every $1 from Alberta’s barley producers.This change is due in large part to multiyear federal programs, including Developing Innovative AgriProducts and the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program. The commission’s diverse portfolio of research projects include improving malt quality, strengthening feed market prices, optimizing water and nitrogen use, determining the health benefits of barley and developing new markets.
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Farmers asked to keep an eye out for space junk
Farmers and landowners east of Saskatoon are asked to watch for possible debris in their fields after the re-entry of a satellite in late September.
Controlled traffic farming
Controlled Traffic Farming Alberta recently launched a website and web-based message board discussion group on controlled traffic farming.Project leader Peter Gamache said the group is trying to build a network of people interested in a practice that is new to many Albertans. Sharing ideas and questions among growers, agronomists, equipment dealers and researchers will be important, he added.The message board is a forum for farmer questions and experiences about controlled traffic, guidance, inter-row seeding, equipment and agronomics. The website also provides links and plans to post information about field tours this summer.For more information, visit www.controlledtrafficfarming.org/.
Dow Canada contest
Western Canadian producers can once again enter a Dow AgroSciences Canada contest that awards three winners $20,000 each in their name to go toward their community.The This is Where Stellar Shines contest is available at Stellar herbicide retail locations until July 31. No purchase is necessary.The 2009 contest winners were Frank Hamilton of Binscarth, Man., Laurence Kvinlaug of Canwood, Sask., and Kevin Thunberg of Provost, Alta.
