Saskatchewan Bulletin
Top Notch Farming extension meetings in February
Our Top Notch Farming extension meetings are back this February, offering an exciting opportunity for Saskatchewan farmers to connect, learn and gain valuable insights from industry experts. Organized by SaskOilseeds in partnership with SaskBarley, this year’s events will feature a lineup of speakers focused on the latest research, market trends and agronomic strategies.
The program kicks off with SaskOilseeds’ agronomy extension specialist, who will present results from the 2024 on-farm research trials conducted with cooperators across Saskatchewan. This will highlight practical data from the four protocols studied. SaskBarley’s research and extension manager will lead a session on barley agronomy, sharing insights from recent barley research.
SaskOilseeds’ flax and research extension specialist will further the agronomic focus by discussing the latest developments in flax breeding research. This presentation will highlight promising new flax varieties that could improve both productivity and the flax growing experience for farmers.
In addition to agronomic advancements, the meeting will dive into economic insights. Marlene Boersch from Mercantile Consulting Ventures will present a comprehensive market outlook, covering projections and emerging trends in the global market that directly impact Saskatchewan farmers. Phillip Harder from Croptimistic Technology Inc. will turn the spotlight to weather trends and forecasting, providing a detailed outlook and discussing how farmers can leverage this data to make informed decisions in their operations.
Agri-ARM researchers will present on the ADOPT (Agriculture Demonstration of Practices and Technologies) research program. This program emphasizes applied research projects designed to improve farming practices in Saskatchewan, helping to identify and implement innovations that lead to more productive and sustainable farms.
The Top Notch Farming extension meetings aim to equip Saskatchewan farmers with practical knowledge and tools to enhance productivity and navigate through industry challenges and shifts.
In November, SaskOilseeds held an election to fill four positions on their Board of Directors.
Congratulations to Patricia Lung (newly elected) and returning board members Dean Roberts, Codie Nagy and Dave Altrogge.
Visit saskcanola.com for more information.
Seeking cooperators to join 2025 On-Farm Research Trials
SaskOilseeds continues to address farmer questions and challenges with Top Notch Farming research trials, a program to cultivate collaboration between farmers, agronomists and research specialists. The goal is to develop practical, on-farm research that addresses real-world questions while generating data that helps inform future farming decisions.
The 2025 on-farm research program will expand to offer six protocols. These protocols include seeding rates, enhanced efficiency nitrogen fertilizers, split nitrogen/top up nitrogen applications, early seeding dates and flea beetles, boron on canola and fungicide on canola. Cooperators can select which protocols they would like to implement on their farms.
Top Notch Farming research trials are designed with collaboration in mind. Each trial is replicated and randomized to account for field variability, ensuring reliable, statistically sound results.
Benefits of participation
Joining a network of growers and agronomists interested in field-scale research offers numerous benefits for farmers looking to enhance their practices and make informed decisions. By participating, you’ll conduct trials using your own equipment and under your unique farm conditions and management practices, ensuring that the results are directly applicable to your operation. Throughout the research process, a dedicated research specialist or agronomist will support you every step of the way, assisting with trial setup and data collection throughout the growing season. Additionally, you’ll gain primary access to the results of other on-farm, field-scale trials conducted in Saskatchewan, providing valuable insights and knowledge to help you optimize your farming strategies.
SaskOilseeds will present the 2024 research trial results in February at the Top Notch Farming extension meetings. In the meantime, farmers and agronomists are encouraged to submit ideas for future protocols and sign up to be a cooperator for 2025. Visit SaskOilseeds’ website for more information on how to submit an application.
The Extensionists Podcast
SaskOilseeds is proud to sponsor The Extensionists – Conversations with Great Thinkers in Agriculture, a brand new podcast hosted by the charismatic ag journalism duo of Toban Dyck and Jay Whetter. Join the hosts as they dive behind the scenes with researchers, innovators, and farmers, bringing a fresh perspective to agricultural extension.
“SaskOilseeds is excited to sponsor this brand-new initiative to facilitate engaging dialogue to pull the curtain back on the thought leadership and innovation behind ag extension,” says SaskOilseeds Executive Director Tracy Broughton. “And to help translate the valuable technical findings on the research side into tangible, on-farm benefits that growers can implement to enhance production.”
Through this partnership, SaskOilseeds aims to amplify important conversations about agricultural advancement and offer growers actionable insights to support their operations. The Extensionists podcast streams every other week, promising listeners a regular dose of agricultural expertise and inspiration. To learn more and tune in, visit theextensionists.com.