Mark this date on your calendar! Saskatchewan's only direct seed field day of the year is set for May 28th, 2003. The ninth annual Seeding Trends field day will once again take place at the historic Seager Wheeler farm, located seven kilometres east of Rosthern on Highway 312. Last June, Seeding Trends 2002 attracted over 650 people, and the organizing committee expects a large turnout again this year. The tentative agenda has been set, and will include opening remarks made by dignitaries. Following these remarks, a producer panel of three experienced direct seeders will tackle issues such as fertility, weed control and herbicide residues. Two panel experts will also participate in this year's event to address producer concerns.
Upon completion of the panel forum, there will be a number of breakout sessions. They will consist of timely topics, intensive fruit production and a tour of forage plots. The timely topics will include the latest issues and research on fertility, weed control and herbicide residues in direct seeding.
The noon hour will include extra tents and additional food lines to facilitate accommodation of extra attendees. A keynote speaker will conclude the noon hour session.
The afternoon will once again feature sprayer and post emergent fertilizer demonstrations, the Do's and Don'ts of winter wheat production, flower garden walking tours, plus commercial herb and spice production. The granddaddy of all events, the direct seeding demonstrations, will end the day. This year's organizing committee is expecting additional companies to participate.
Of special importance this year, we will be honouring the memory of agrologist Larry Gramiak. Larry passed away from cancer in the fall. Larry was an integral part in organizing and participating in many of the past direct seed field days.
In case of inclement weather, the rain date is set for Friday, May 30th. Brochures outlining the final agenda will be mailed in early May. Everyone is welcome to attend.