Grainswest - Winter 2024

Winter 2024 Grains West 4 THE FARMGATE FEATURES COLUMNS Celebrating 10 years of GrainsWest Cover story: Peer groups are an increasing source of professional development in agriculture. Farmers and facilitators discuss the value of comparing notes in “Let’s talk” (pg. 26). Illustration by Till Lukat. Acres of insect info Ag insurer to launch BMP discount project Eerie pest control Banking on change Farm-based studies on the rise NEW AND INTERESTING DEVELOPMENTS IN AG 43 44 47 48 45 46 49 HEAD OF THE CLASS Barley feed study shows positive results MARKET MONITOR The contracts, they are a-changin’ POLICY PLACE To safeguard food security, reinforce grain transportation networks THE MALTHOUSE Data will help brewers with sustainability goals FROM LAB TO FIELD Smart Farm Network aids development of airborne disease detector CEREALS CORNER Wheat, barley, durum and oats contribute to Alberta’s farm economy GRAIN SCIENCE NEWS Colourful new barley variety has potential as agri-food ingredient Let’s talk Farm peer groups find professional growth in constructive conversation // BY TREVOR BACQUE // 26 32 Quality control Expanded seed testing holds agronomic and economic advantages // BY GEOFF GEDDES // 20 Variety show Plant breeding system produces varieties with star quality // BY KAITLIN PACKER BERGER //