Grainswest - Tech 2025

Tech 2025 Grains West 14 THE FARMGATE counties, with trial work and events that extend across eight municipalities. Like its counterparts, GRO is farmer-led and focuses on delivery of practical, unbiased research that reflects the region’s soils and seasons. “We take the risks so that the producer doesn’t have to,” said Andria Carlyon, the organization’s manager. “We’re not sales- people; we just show what works locally.” The GRO research calendar is shaped by the interests and needs of area farmers. This includes trials of humic substanc- es, mycorrhizal fungi and intercropped corn. All are driven by the concerns and questions of farmers who want to know whether new tools such as biologicals are worth the cost. “We’re testing humics to see how they improve soil health and yields, especial- ly in marginal soils or those with low organic matter,” said Carlyon. In addition to the assessment of emerging farm tools, GRO is expanding its work on soil-borne diseases. The GRO team recently piloted a study of cultural control methods for aphanomyces in peas. While the re- sults were inconclusive due to baseline variability, Carlyon said the work helped lay the foundation for future regional studies. The organization also contributes to RVTs and partners with Alberta Grains to deliver extension resources for the management of Fusarium head blight in wheat. “Having local fields helps produc- ers trust the RVT data,” said Carlyon. “They know where it comes from and can see the trials themselves.” Farmland in the GRO catchment area typically has higher organic matter and receives greater moisture than southern Alberta, but a shorter growing season limits crop options. This makes locally adaptated research critical for the se- lection of appropriate crop varieties and adjustment of management practices. BUILT BY FARMERS, FOR FARMERS Behind each of Alberta’s research associ- ations stands ARECA, the co-ordinating body that supports shared programs, policy dialogue and long-term planning. The umbrella structure gives smaller groups a stronger voice with government and funders. ARECA also administers AgKnow, the Alberta Environmental Farm Plan (AEFP) and co-manages the On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF). It supports its member organizations with administrative services and training opportunities for staff and also faciliti- ates the sharing of research results across regions. “These groups aren’t inventing any- thing,” said Alan Hall, ARECA executive director. “What they are trying to do is take technology, products and practices, to see how we can best adapt them to the local situation.” In their research projects, the associations work to adapt technologies and practices to local conditions. They ensure this information reaches farmers in ways that support real-world decision-making. Hall believes the strength of the network is that its members maintain independence and local focus. While certain groups lean into soil health or disease management, others focus on rotations, variety testing or economic analysis. But maintaining this valuable inde- pendence takes more than mere co-ordi- nation. It requires consistent funding and long-term vision. Newman said short- term grants make it difficult to retain skilled staff or plan with confidence. “It’s hard to attract people when you can’t promise you’ll still be funded next year,” he said. “We need long-term commit- ment from funders.” Such support, he further emphasized, allows associations to build trust with farmers. With it, researchers and associa- tion staff can maintain focus on projects that matter. Applied research associations examine practices, products and technology, and study how these can best be adapted to the local conditions. Pictured here are CARA crop trials located in the MD of Acadia.

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