As the new west central soil conservation agrologist, I look forward to the opportunities and challenges that soil conservation presents. Barriers such as straw and chaff management, rotations, opener systems, fertilizer placement and weed control are factors that must be managed properly to achieve success with low disturbance direct seeding systems. My objective is to give producers strong peer and professional support as they adopt soil conservation practices that work for each individual farming operation.
My experience in the agriculture industry is extensive. After obtaining my Diploma in Agriculture and Bachelors of Science Degree in Agriculture from the University of Saskatchewan, I was involved in research and development with both the Department of Soil Science and Ciba-Geigy. These positions prepared me for the ag retail sector, where I spent the past eight years. I was actively involved in sales and operations, and provided agronomic consultation services to producers in the Wilkie and Waldheim trading areas. My position with Wendland Ag services also allowed me to conduct independent research trials. Areas of interest included micronutrient and foliar feed fertility, seed treatments and fungicide applications.
For those people familiar with the SSCA district arrangements, I will be covering west central Saskatchewan. This area includes the districts of Kindersley, Outlook, Davidson, Watrous, Rosthern, Saskatoon, and Biggar. My involvement with resources such as the SSCA Direct Seeding Conference, The Prairie Steward newsletter, the SSCA website and summer field demonstrations will hopefully provide producers with valuable information that they can incorporate into each individual farming operation. As the year progresses I look forward to meeting with individual producers at the various trade shows, meetings, and field demonstrations. Have a prosperous winter.