Winter seminar from IHARF goes January 31

Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food

The Indian Head Agricultural Research Foundation (IHARF) is holding its Winter Seminar and Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, January 31 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Indian Head Memorial Hall. Producers, IHARF members, and all other interested individuals are encouraged to participate in this event.

Guest speakers will discuss several key agricultural issues at the Winter Seminar. Scheduled topics include: grain market update; bagged grain storage – a low-cost alternative; an update of the Greenseeker™ optical sensor technology and its ability to manage nitrogen levels in wheat, canola, oats and barley crops; perennial weed management of Canada thistle and dandelions; nitrogen management in oilseed crops including sunflower, canola-quality Brassica juncea, canola and flax; greenhouse gas measurements; and use of fungicides.

In addition, IHARF will give an update on its work with the Greenseeker™ technology, which measures the Normalised Difference Vegetative Index (the amount of biomass present) and translates that information into how much nitrogen is required to meet potential yield. “There’s an algorithm that we’re developing that will relate the measurement taken – for wheat it’s at about six weeks of growth – and compare that to what the potential yield is and then you add nitrogen accordingly,” said McKell.

Another presentation will take into account one of the “hotter” topics in current events these days: greenhouse gases. McKell says greenhouse gas measurement is becoming more of a reality on the farm, especially since farmers have been able to sell some carbon credits onto the market. The greenhouse gas presentation will address measuring nitrous oxide, which McKell said is important to get a handle on, since it’s a much worse greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide. “Measurement will let farmers know whether they’re producing it (nitrous oxide) and if they need their carbon to offset it, or just where they are in terms of greenhouse gas production,” said McKell.

Registration begins at 9:00 a.m., and the attendance fee is $10, which includes lunch. IHARF’s annual general meeting will follow the seminar presentations. To register, contact IHARF at (306) 695-4200.

For more information, contact:

Judy McKell
Indian Head Agricultural Research Foundation
Phone: (306) 695-4200
E-mail: judymckell@sasktel.net