Farmers from across western Canada met at the Regina Exhibition Park, February 13 and 14, to attend the SSCA's 14th Annual Direct Seeding Conference. The success of this year's conference is evidence that even in light of the poor farm economy, farmers recognize the value of attending our conference in helping them to 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," said SSCA president John Bennett. "It's a forum for farmers to have their questions answered by researchers, industry experts and other farmers," said Bennett.
This year's conference featured keynote speaker, Dr. Douglas Powell, an assistant professor in the University of Guelph's Dep't. of Plant Agriculture. He is also Director of the Food Safety Network at the University. Dr. Powell discussed the implications of biotechnology for all farmers.
In total, 23 people delivered presentations at the Conference. The presenters included researchers who provided some of the most recent research findings on cropping issues and farmers who related their experiences managing weeds, integrated livestock and cropping systems and diverse rotations. The theme of this year's conference was "Direct Seeding: Optimizing Production Systems". Session topics included Economics, Beginning Direct Seeding, Advanced Direct Seeding, Rotation Diversification Options, Integrating Livestock in a Direct Seeding System, Forages for Everyone and New & Emerging LDS Issues.
Once again, the concurrent, informal evening "Bear Pit" sessions were well attended. Participants chose to attend one or all of the four sessions: How to Start Direct Seeding, Integrated Pest Management, Fertility Management and Soil Carbon. These sessions provided farmers with the opportunity to have their questions answered by the panelists and each other in less formal, smaller groups.
The trade show had a number of 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.
The SSCA Annual Meeting was also part of the Conference. Members had the opportunity to meet the Board, review the SSCA financial statements and discuss the future direction of the SSCA.
Extra copies of the conference proceedings may be purchased from any SSCA staff member for $10. Plans are already under way for the 2003 annual meeting and conference in Saskatoon.