Field Day Report
August 8, 2024
Our annual field day hosted by Michael Strebchuk on August 8, on his farm by High Prairie, was a great success with 44 people attending. We were blessed with beautiful weather, informative speakers and new contacts.
Our day began with a short tour of a few pieces of Michael’s farm equipment, which were outside of Triangle Hall. Horizon Ag and Turf as well as Foster’s Ag World were also on hand with some demo equipment.
The first speaker was Shelley from Big Lakes County. Their main focus is on maintaining the riparian areas. They supply free No Spray signs to organic producers and register ditches for No Spray with their public works department.
Alaina, the office manager from Fairview for the Peace County Beef and Forage Association, stated their focus was on soil health, beef and forage. Membership is $50.00 a year. This includes 2 free feed tests with a $40.00 value. She encouraged all to join their local Agricultural Research Association which conducts free research for producers. Dr. Akim has been with them 15 years and works on seeding trials with silage, grain and winter cereals.
Michael then introduced Todd Sadlier from Fora Seeds from Hines Creek. His services were highly recommended by Michael, who is very pleased with the advice and seed received from Todd.
Chad Martin, from Grain Millers, is offering $7-8.00 for oats but no gluten free contracts last year or this year. They are investigating the regenerative program. Their market for rye is only about 600 tonne a year. All grain is contracted but no contracts are available for wheat or barley right now. The price for both rye and barley is $8-9.00.
Shelleen from Sarda Agricultural Research stated they specialize in crop production and seed research. Results can be found on their website wwww.sarda.ag. A trial for the beta glucan content of oat varieties is currently at Westlock and Fahler. Benefits of growing oats are: grow well, break insect infestations, germinates fast, great nitrogen gatherer, increases organic matter and erosion control. It can be made into silage, grown as feed grain, or grazed but watch the nitrogen level. The beta glucan content prevents diabetes, is a soluble fiber, and contributes to heart health. To make those claims the beta glucan content must be a minimum of 4%. Morgan is the main oat variety grown but is low in beta glucan. The trial is with 11 varieties which are small plots, with fertilizer and weed control. AAC Wesley had the highest beta glucan content. They partnered with GRO at Westlock and MARA at Vermillion for the trials so you can contact them for the final results.
First bus tour of Michael’s fields was followed by an organic lunch and wine fruit coolers from the local producer Shady Lane Orchard. Door prizes were drawn and much appreciated by the recipients. The second round of speakers spoke, which was followed by the second bus tour. Art Hesje, manager from TCO reported that the certification season is on track with about the same number of operators as last year. The NOP Strengthening Organic program began in March and they are handling the export paperwork well. The problem is the US government keeps changing the goal of the program and it frustrates them.
Brittney, from Cargill, spoke about their two approved products; Lalrise and Entiva. Michael used the Entiva and we saw that field on the tour. Lalrise is a seed inoculant but does not replace a pea inoculant. Envita fixes the nitrogen from the air. Trials showed a 7-10% yield increase.
Brent from Texas Technologies spoke about RezFree, a soil stimulant that contains 2,500 different bacteria that degrades chemical residue in the soil including glyphosate. It is bee pollination friendly. It benefits plants by building up the natural wax layer in plants and protects from drought, insects and frost. They are working with Olds College, MARA and cannabis growers. We saw the field where this product was used. Monika Benoit for Peace Living Labs spoke next. She shared there are 7 organizations involved in 14 projects in AB. and B.C., for 5 years with 56 producers. These include climate smart practices, bale grazing, measuring carbon sequencing, greenhouse gas, social economic versus actual cost and more.
Tracy Smith the new Executive Director of Organic Alberta shared about the Peace River Organic Support Program. It is founded by Cliff Barr with $300,000.00 American to build the program to support the organic farmers in this area, with a goal that a continuing supply of grain will be available to their company.
Michael closed with a video produced by his daughter Rebekah, which was very educational and will make you rethink some of your farming practices. He plans to present it at our fall meeting in November. The AOPA Board of Directors would like to thank those who helped or attended our field day.
All are invited to our field day next summer!
