850 farmers from across western Canada and northern U.S., met at the Saskatoon Prairieland Park, February 14 and 15, to attend the Saskatchewan Soil Conservation Association's annual Direct Seeding Conference. The success of this year's conference reflects that even in light of the poor farm economy, farmers recognize the value of attending our conference in helping them gain an edge with their crop production system.
"The purpose of the conference was to bring farmers together to get the latest information on direct seeding and how to implement these practices on our farms," says SSCA president Don Kelsey. "Farmers had the opportunity to have their questions answered by researchers, industry experts and other farmers," says Kelsey.
This year's conference featured keynote speakers David Irvine and Brent Van Koughnet. Mr. Irvine's presentation focused on the three cornerstones of sustainable family businesses: Connection, Contribution and Character. Brent VanKoughnet challenged producers to think of themselves as CEOs. He added that we should be asking ourselves if we have the skills to manage our farm businesses and how can we develop these new management skills.
The conference had six sessions, which offered a mixture of farmers and researchers to provide both experience and first-hand information. The one concurrent session enabled experienced direct seeders to listen to information different from that offered to those farmers just beginning to implement a direct seeding system. This remaining session covered topics on farm decision-making, weed management, farming for the future and emerging issues in direct seeding. Speakers talked about how to integrate all this information into a successful direct seeding system.
Once again, the four concurrent informal evening "bearpit" sessions were well attended. These were": How to Start Direct Seeding, Cropping Options, Soil Carbon and Conserving the Family with David Irvine. The sessions provided farmers with the opportunity to have their questions answered by experts in less formal, smaller groups.
The trade show had 85 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.
Extra copies of the conference proceedings are available for $10 through any SSCA staff member. Plans are already under way for the 2002 annual meeting and conference in Regina, February 13 & 14.