This is going to be short (like the 2002 growing season) and sweet (not like the 2002 growing season). We had about 4" of rain up to the end of July, got hit by frost on August 1 and have had 7" of rain and 3" of snow since then. We still have 50 acres of wheat standing (our precision agriculture project - naturally!!) and 20 acres of swathed canola. We have harvested one field of Prodigy wheat (yielded 22 bu/ac) and most of the canola (yielded 5 - 10 bu/ac, depending on the variety).
The crop that did produce exceptionally well this year was the caraway. This was the second year of production and we harvested 540 kg (1190 lb) from a 1.4-acre plot. That's 850 lb/ac and, at 68¢ per pound, it was by far the most profitable of our crops. Too bad we hadn't had 250 acres of caraway!!
This year, there has been quite a bit of talk about golden German foxtail millet. Our plot produced very well but experts caution that this crop would not likely produce as well in wet years.
A couple notes of interest:
As a member of Agri-ARM, the CLC was involved in circulating surveys at field days. The surveys assessed the awareness and concern of producers regarding environmental issues. Information packages will be developed based on the results of these surveys. Further, the findings will be incorporated into a more comprehensive project to develop environmental farm plans for Saskatchewan producers.
The school program continues to be popular, with an estimated 1,800 students participating this year (weather permitting), bringing the eight-year total to ~11,360 students.
We have had 475 groups from 59 schools in 13 different school divisions. Over 190 teachers have brought students to the CLC and 40% have visited multiple times (10% have participated more than four times). One teacher has brought ten groups and one school 51 since the school program began. Since 1997, the number of schools participating has increased 67% from 18 to 30.
Historically, 18% are Grade 1-3 students, 62% Grade 4-6, 14% Grade 7-9 and 6% Grade 10-12. The number of Grade 1-6 students remains relatively constant but there is an increase in junior (42%) and high (116%) school groups. In particular, more groups are taking part in two-day programs. This involves camping at the CLC for two days and covering the basics of soil formation and land uses, ecology and conservation.
This fall, three groups took advantage of the multi-day programs - Lloydminster Grade 10, Meath Park Grade 11, Carlton Comprehensive "Outdoor School" (Grade 11). The Outdoor School group returned for the fourth straight year. For all groups, we incorporated presentations and activities from PFRA, Ducks Unlimited, Saskatchewan Wetlands Conservation Corporation and the University of Saskatchewan experts. Coupled with the CLC's component, these enhanced programs provide students with in-depth looks into many agricultural, conservation and environmental topics.
The above statistics and off-farm requests attest to the quality of the CLC's school program. It is hoped that through this exposure, the next generation of consumers will understand and appreciate the efforts of producers to produce a sustainable and safe supply of food.
There have been many challenges this year and we thank our partners and sponsors for their continued support. Now, it is time to start planning for the 2003 season. See you at the SSCA Annual Conference in February.