This winter has been extremely hectic with trade shows and conferences, not to mention meetings to plan for the upcoming year. The CLC participated in the Crop Production Show, SSCA Annual Conference, Soils and Crops Workshop and Showcase 2001 (Saskatchewan teachers' convention). In addition, a summary of the CLC's results for 2000 was presented at Crop Talk in Prince Albert.
Preliminary plans for 2001 have been discussed. The CLC's "big" project is going to be a precision farming project (thanks to partial funding from CARDS). The southeast quarter, currently four small fields, will be converted back to one large field and the project will be implemented across the 100 acres. The crop this year will be canola, with plans to continue the project for three additional years following standard crop rotations (canola-barley-peas-wheat). The goal is to vary the rates of nitrogen and sulphur fertilizer, herbicides and fungicides. We have purchased a weather station to aid with accumulation of pertinent data and timing of applications, especially fungicides. As well, we have ordered a yield monitor that will enable us to complete the final, crucial step of precision agriculture - generating the yield map. Both pieces of equipment were purchased through AFIF funding.
Fifty acres will be seeded to peas. In response to many queries over the last two years and in light of increased fertilizer costs, this field will be divided into three plots demonstrating the effect of level of fertilization. Treatments, based on soil samples, are:
Hard red spring wheat will be seeded to 70 acres. We will be using seed left over from last year (AC Elsa and AC Barrie) as well as showcasing some new varieties such as (hopefully) Clearfield wheat. Both the AC Elsa and AC Barrie seed were treated (Dividend and Raxil, respectively) last spring so we will be assessing the efficacy of these seed treatments after one year.
We will be showcasing Bethune flax on 30 acres. Establishment will be evaluated as the flax will be seeded into wheat stubble that was sprayed in-crop last year with Everest + DyVel DS and Sundance + Buctril-M. We are extremely pleased to welcome the Saskatchewan Flax Development Commission as a sponsor of this project.
Plans are to expand the school program yet again this year. The target is to host 100 groups at the CLC, bringing a total of ~2,200 students to the farm in 2001. Participation in Showcase 2001 will increase our visibility. As well, we have been discussing the possibility of collaborative efforts with Agriculture in the Classroom (Saskatchewan). Over the past couple of years, such an alliance has been sought and now is much anticipated.
The past few months have also been busy on the organizational front. Significant time is spent at all the extension events "looking after business" - securing sponsors for the upcoming year. The patience of sponsors is sincerely appreciated as I conduct what I call "sponsor stalking." We are pleased that past, current and new partners and sponsors continue to support the CLC and we sincerely thank all for their commitment.