Seeding underway at Beaverlodge!

The first research field plots of 2017 started to go into the ground at AAFC-Beaverlodge today!  The Agronomy and Crop Adaptation Program seeded their first agronomic field plot experiment (Fig. 1) of the year at the Beaverlodge Research Farm.

Figure 1. Research field plots being seeded using the Conserva-Pak seeder (9" row spacing) at AAFC-Beaverlodge (N55° by W119°) on May 10, 2017.

Despite wet spring conditions, this area of the research farm was fairly dry today.  The forecast is for more rain soon so the Agronomy and Crop Adaptation Program is doing their utmost to get the many agronomic trials and breeding plots into the ground.  They also manage and farm the interplot areas plus past and future research plot areas by maintaining them in rotation.  All the many experiments and plant breeding lines that are sown annually at the Beaverlodge Research Farm represent critical data because it arises from Canada's most northerly Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada site.  

It's also a very special year at the Beaverlodge Research Farm - it's our Centennial which means we mark 100 years of field plot data and all the effort and intellect that continues to make it all happen!

Watch for more as the growing season progresses!  Also mark your calendar for July 14, 2017, when the Beaverlodge Research Farm celebrates the Centennial year with an Open House for the general public to come join us!

Agronomy may never be the same!

This week, the Agronomy & Crop Adaptation Program's two Student Assistants received some special training!  After learning and helping with seeding, Emma and Carina were instructed on how to operate one of the ConservaPak seeders.  They began with some pathway seeding yesterday!

Training like this is important and it's given according to the skill and maturity of a Staff member.  Research plots seeders like the ConservaPak are major capital investments made within AAFC that have 10-30 years of research use.   The operation and use of these major pieces of equipment are critical to the research we perform BUT they don't move without properly trained operators who possess the technical skills and experience to capably drive them.

Carina and Emma aren't quite ready to seed our field research plots yet - but then again, they are learning and gaining experience to help get them there someday!

Congratulations on a pretty big step in your agronomic careers Carina and Emma!