Farmers from across western Canada, met at the Regina Exhibition Grounds February 14 and 15 to attend the Saskatchewan Soil Conservation Association's (SSCA) annual Direct Seeding Workshop. With Over 850 in attendance, farmer interest in direct seeding continues to be strong. "The whole idea of the conference was to give farmers the most up to date information available on direct seeding and how to implement these practices on our farms," says SSCA President Lorne Crosson.
There was plenty of information available according to Crosson. "The Direct Seeding Conference provides one of the best opportunities for farmers to get the latest information on direct seeding. Farmers had the opportunity to have their questions answered by researchers, industry experts and other farmers", says Crosson.
This year's conference featured two high profile keynote speakers: Dr. Tim Ball and Dr. Lowell Catlett. Dr. Tim Ball, climatologist from the University of Winnipeg, questions the current climate change predictions being promoted by other scientists. He believes that there is insufficient evidence to be making any conclusions. He also questioned the validity of the climate models currently being used to predict future climate changes. Ball also stated more needs to be done on more serious environmental problems like soil degradation.
Dr. Lowell Catlett, futurist and agricultural economist from New Mexico State University, closed the conference with an optimistic picture of agriculture in the future. He used examples of cutting edge research to show the direction agriculture will take in the future. Precision farming techniques, producing agricultural products for cosmetics and pharmaceuticals are just some of things coming. Producers will need to be more creative to take full advantage of these opportunities.
The conference had six sessions which offered a mixture of farmers and researchers to provide both experience and first hand information. This year's sessions covered topics on crop rotations, agronomy, economics, weed control, openers and packing systems and how to integrate all the information available into a successful direct seeding system.
Once again, the informal evening "Bear Pit" sessions were well attended. There were three concurrent "bearpits": How to Start Direct Seeding, Crop Management in Direct Seeding, and Direct Seeding Equipment. These sessions provided farmers with the opportunity to have their questions answered by experts in less formal, smaller groups.
The trade show had over 70 exhibitors showing the latest in crop production technology and information related to direct seeding. The trade show continues to be a major attraction of the conference.
If you were not able to attend the 1996 Direct Seeding Conference, proceedings are still available through any SSCA staff member. The cost is $10. Plans are already under way for the 1997 annual meeting and conference in Saskatoon, February 12 and 13, 1997.