Over the past year, SSCA has been working with industry groups to develop to projects to promote conservation tillage and other sustainable agriculture practices. In addition to the project with Monsanto, SSCA has also been working with Ducks Unlimited to develop a "Core Grower" program to increase winter wheat acres in Saskatchewan.
For several years, Ducks Unlimited (DU) has been advocating planting winter cereals in annual crop rotations to improve nesting habitat for migratory birds like ducks. DU would like to see winter wheat become the dominant wheat grown on the Prairies within the next 25 years. To realize this goal, they will be investing in research, plant breeding and extension. Part of the extension component is the development of "Core Growers." Ducks Unlimited approached SSCA to lead this project due to our success with operating similar projects and because winter wheat production is only practical in direct seeding systems.
"Core Growers" are winter wheat growers who will be used as success stories in extension events. These growers will also host kitchen-table meetings and half-ton tours to help promote winter wheat to local producers. SSCA's involvement will be to work with and develop "Core Growers" to help ensure their success growing winter wheat. SSCA staff will utilize these producers in extension meetings, tours and field demonstrations to promote winter wheat production.
This program is being phased-in over the next three years and is being targeted in Ducks Unlimited "Target" areas, which are mainly located in the Black Soil Zone and the Missouri Coteau.