Summer of ag-tivity
Alberta Grains' eventful summer season
The summer months in Alberta bring forth not only warm weather and clear skies, but also a flurry of agricultural activity in the form of field days, crop tours and tradeshows. Farmers, industry representatives and researchers alike from across the province eagerly await these events each year to come together to share insights, exchange knowledge and learn about the latest technical and practical advancements in agronomy.
This past summer saw an impressive lineup of ag-centric events, each offering unique opportunities for farmers and experts to collaborate. Alberta Grains played an active role in many of these events, whether it was through sponsorship, attendance or presenting value insights gathered from our research and trials. Below are some of the highlights from the action-packed summer we had out in the field.
Plot2Farm Field Day
One of the standout events of the season was the second annual Plot2Farm Field Day at Triple H Farms near Carstairs, Alberta. The event was hosted between Alberta Grains, CORE Ag Inputs and Carstairs Ag Seeds, and allowed farmers to discuss the importance of on-farm research and see the results of the Alberta Grains Plot2Farm program firsthand. With a focus on sharing best practices, the day delved into topics ranging from soil health management to pest control strategies, leaving attendees equipped with actionable knowledge to enhance their own farming practices.
WheatStalk 2023
WheatStalk was another event circled on the calendar for many Albertan farmers. Hosted in partnership with Lakeland College, WheatStalk provided growers with the opportunity to hear from a range of experts on ways to enhance wheat farming. Among these experts was Alberta Grains’ agronomy research extension manager Jeremy Boychyn, who presented on the importance of treatment timing. Through interactive presentations and hands-on workshops, WheatStalk offered attendees insights into cutting-edge technologies and practical methods designed to maximize wheat yields while ensuring sustainability.
Canadian Malting Barley Technical Centre Crop Tour
In August, the Canadian Malting Barley Technical Centre (CMBTC) and its members held the 2023 Western Canada Barley Crop Tour. Approximately 50 representatives from the barley value chain, including maltsters and brewers, Canadian producers and grain companies, as well as buyers of Canadian barley and malt from all around the world. Attendees toured through Central Alberta making various stops along the way, including at Alberta Grains’ interim director LeRoy Newman’s farm, Olds College, a Viterra Canada grain elevator and the Origin Brewing taproom in Strathmore, Alberta. This tour held immense significance for barley farmer and purchasers alike and we were incredibly happy to be a part of the event.
Ag Smart
Hosted over two days in early August at Olds College, Ag Smart is a dynamic agriculture exhibition that spotlights the intersection of data and technology in the farming and agricultures sectors. The year, Ag Smart’s lineup included a diverse mix of educational sessions, hands-on technical experiences and expansive field demonstrations. Ag Smart also featured various programming elements connected to Olds College, including the Smart Farm, Technology Access Centre for Livestock Production and the Field Crop Development Centre (FCDC), which hosted its annual FCDC Field Day at Ag Smart for the first time.
While the summer may be over, we can look back on it fondly as a season that united farmers, researchers and industry experts in the spirit of shared learning and advancement in agriculture. Through events like Plot2Farm Field Day, WheatStalk, Ag Smart, the CMBTC Field Day and many more, we as a commission can actively engage with producers from across the province to foster collaboration and disseminate valuable insights. As the days grow shorter and the leaves begin to fall, the knowledge from these events will undoubtedly carry on into the next growing season, ensuring a bountiful future for Alberta’s agricultural landscape.