Hello to fellow SSCA Members. This is my first contribution to the Prairie Steward and I am very honored to do so. I have been on the Board since February of '95 and moved to the President's position at last year's conference. The high quality of the Board and Staff that the Association has been able to attract is truly a testament to its strength. It continues to be a vital source of information for producers that are interested in implementing direct seeding on their farms.
The gloomy picture that seems to dominate the news when it involves the ag sector is not something that I have to reiterate. The SSCA is also going through some tough times and unpleasant decisions may have to be made if a source of funding is not found in the foreseeable future. Our Executive Staff have been tirelessly seeking out any and all sources of revenue, and will continue so that SSCA will be able to provide the programs that have been developed over the years.
My first exposure to the SSCA was the Direct Seeding Conference held in Moose Jaw in 1993. That year people were turned away at the door as the facility was fill to the rafters. That was the level of interest in this system and I proceeded to gather as much information as I could. During the question and answer sessions I tried repeatedly to shoot down the whole concept. Gary Meier, who was then on the SSCA staff, was able to deal with my concerns. That summer at the farm production show, SSCA Director, Terry Pearse sold me my first SSCA membership and my friend Lee Moats, who was also an SSCA Director, guided me through my first year of direct seeding the next spring.
Carbon sequestration is a subject that the SSCA has been working on for the last two years and after attending a Soil Conservation Council of Canada workshop it appears that it has been time well spent. Our "Carbon Committee", Clint Steinley, Perry Leach and John Bennett have attended many meetings and made many presentations in western Canada and the U.S. At SSCA's Conference we have dedicated one session and one Bear Pit to carbon sequestration and direct seeding.
I'd like to welcome our new Board members. Lyle Larsen, Aylsham (Director-at-Large) Darryl Reynolds, Nokomis (Director at Large) and Arthur Murray, Glenavon (South East). Soon to be leaving the Board will be Garry Nolan; it's been great working with you Garry!
Our next Direct Seeding Conference will be held February 9 and 10 in Regina. This year covers a wide range of topics presented by very knowledgeable speakers. I hope to see you there.