So what is this Farmer Helping Farmer Database? You have probably seen the notice in the Prairie Steward or perhaps heard about it during a meeting. Essentially, it is a database of names of farmers and a listing of the direct seeding equipment, crops, weed control techniques, crops grown in their rotation, and residue management. We use this database to put you in contact with other farmers who have experience in the requested item. In this way, farmers can utilize the experience from other farmers and use that information as another tool in their decision making process.
How does this work? You may be thinking about trying a new crop and would like to talk to a few farmers who have grown that crop in your soil zone or soil type. Perhaps you are looking to purchase new openers or a certain direct seeding drill and would like to find out how some other farmers liked them or even what problems they might have encountered. Perhaps you are looking for farmers who have made certain modifications to existing equipment to make them into direct seeding equipment. We can put you in contact with these farmers.
How do I go about using this service? Simply contact your local regional SSCA staff person or use the 1-800 line. Just ask them to make a search for the item or items you are concerned about. We do a database search and supply you with the names and phone numbers of those farmers who have the experience you are looking for. You can then contact these farmers and talk to them directly. Not only do you benefit from this service, but also, there is no charge for this service.
It must be stressed that the names in this database are not released for commercial purposes. They are released only to farmers so they can contact and benefit from other farmers. To date we have 920 names on the database from all over the province. This means there should be at least a few farmers who are relatively close to your location and soil type.
In summary, the following can be searched for on this database:
Direct seeding drills and air seeders, openers, row spacing, soil type, packers, fertilization and weed control techniques, crops used in rotations, alternative crops, forages, precision farming equipment, and residue management.