2006-07-05
Author: 800 CHAB/Indian Head Agricultural Research Foundation

Producers looking for the latest in agricultural research and equipment will want to participate in the annual Crop Management Day on Tuesday, July 18th. The Indian Head Agricultural Research Foundation (IHARF) will host the event at the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) Indian Head Research Farm. This year marks the first time that Crop Management Day is sponsored in Partnership with the Canola Council of Canada and the Saskatchewan Canola Development Commission.

The field day consists of an on-station and an off-station tour. It is also accredited for continuing education credits for the Certified Crop Advisor Program.

The on-station tour presenters are Jim Bessel, an agronomist with the Canola Council of Canada Saskatoon Office, who will discuss harvest management of canola as well as provide a canola variety demonstration; Bill May, AAFC research scientist, will focus on nitrogen management for oilseeds; Dr. Guy Lafond, AAFC research scientist, will discuss the effects of pea frequency in rotation on soil quality; and Chris Holzaphel. IHARF research associate will provide an update on the Greenseeker Technology with its potential for improved nitrogen management.

The off-station tour will feature Dave Vanthuyne, Canola Council of Canada Yorkton Office, will discuss canola seeding rates and seed vigor; Dr. Don Flaten, University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, will highlight the implications of treated urea on crop production and nitrous oxide emissions; and Dr. Julie Soroka, AAFC Saskatoon, will provide an update on Canola insect pests.

Members of the international organization, Confederation of American Associates for the Production of Sustainable Agriculture (CAAPAS will be attending the Crop Management Day this year as part of their annual meeting. These members are coming from Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, Chile, US and Canada.

IHARF was founded by a group of area farmers in 1993. Their goal was to become actively involved in setting the parameters for local research and to assist in fast-tracking the information to producers. IHARF is run by a nine-member board of directors and has become a respected name in producer-driven research.

Field day registration is $25 per person, which includes lunch, supper, and the printed proceedings. Register before July 11, 2006 and your name will be entered to win special draw prizes. There is a limit of 200 people, so register today.

For more information, please contact Judy McKell at 695-4200 or Jim Bessel at 373-6771.