Take advantage of resources at Ag Knowledge Centre, expert advises

Mackenzie Hladun, a crop extension specialist at the Saskatchewan Agriculture Knowledge Centre, said the Centre provides year-round resources and support on agricultural issues of every kind, from seeding to livestock to soil conditions — if you have a question, phone in. 

“Essentially, I am a resource for producers and really anyone in the province that has any sort of agricultural-based question,” Hladun explained. “I specialize in the crops side of things, and we have livestock and feed specialists, and also agro-environmental specialists who handle native areas and pastures.” 

Hladun is an Articling Agrologist with a graduate degree in the science of agriculture. As a member of a regulated profession, Hladun is careful not to speak outside her area of expertise. That said, she and her colleagues will work with anyone who calls in to find a definitive, evidence-based answer. They have contacts at universities, through provincial programs, and for questions related to the business side of things. 

“We will do the best we can to answer your question, or else we find someone who can answer the question,” she explained, “and we will also learn with them while providing those answers to our clients. 

“We also hold and promote a couple of events throughout the year that really help our producers and agronomists learn what’s going on in the industry, stay up to date with new stuff and research, and refresh their skills.” 

So far in 2024, the Agriculture Knowledge Centre (AKC) has held workshops on topics including ‘The Ins and Outs of Beef Genetics,’ ‘Nutrient Management,’ and ‘Financial Literacy for Ranchers’. 

A full list of past and upcoming events can be found on Saskatchewan.ca’s Agriculture Events Calendar.  

Next up for events is a webinar on March 26 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. titled Home Grown Research: Cereal Update. The webinar will cover will cover research done in the province on subjects including managing different barley varieties, plant growth regulators on cereals, seeding dates and rates of wheat, and various on-farm projects. 

At this time of year, Hladun said, farmers are focused on being ready to seed. Important questions include the effects of moisture runoff (or lack of it) on soil nutrition, preparing for pesticide applications, and how regional precipitation levels will affect the success of various crops. 

“Right now, we’re getting a lot of questions around fertilizer use, kind of preparing for seeding coming up,” Hladun explained, “so seed treatments and what to apply. Also, we have a suite of publications that come out around this time, which we are getting a lot of questions about. 

“So, for example, we published our Guide to Crop Protection this past month, so we’re getting lots of calls and comments about that and people wondering where they can pick that up.” 

The Agriculture Knowledge Centre, headquartered in Moose Jaw, has a wealth of agricultural publications designed to help producers in the province succeed (photo by Gordon Edgar)

Moose Jaw producers grow a variety of crops, including durum wheat, chickpeas, lentils, bread wheat, canola, mustard, barley, and more. 

But what if you’re a home gardener with questions about your backyard garden? 

“If we can’t help them, we’ll put them in touch with someone who can,” Hladun assured. “For example, if someone did call in about their garden crops, I might tell them, ‘I’m really not sure about what’s going on with your carrots, but I do know there’s a garden centre at the U of S that you can access.’” 

Starting in May, the AKC will begin publishing the Crop Report. The Crop Report is adapted and tailored to specific regions and conditions each year and can be used as a bit of an agricultural bible for producers in the area. 

Learn more about the Saskatchewan Agriculture Knowledge Centre and the range of experts there on Saskatchewan.ca, by stopping into their office in Moose Jaw, by calling 1-866-457-2377, or email at ag.info@gov.sk.ca.  

If you’re looking for help with a backyard crop, feel free to call the AKC and see if they have advice, or visit the University of Saskatchewan Gardening Centre at gardening.usask.ca for free advice and workshops, and regular publications.