LAKELAND - The Lakeland Agricultural Research Association is preparing for another busy season of research and sharing knowledge, amid the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Over the past year, the organization has shifted to offering many of its events virtually. Last year, a few big names were part of the online offerings, and some of those events attracted hundreds of people, says Kellie Nichiporik, Environmental Program Manager. While not every virtual event draws such a large crowd, and there is certainly a networking and socialization component to in-person events that can't be replaced, the virtual events allow for the organization to continue to fulfil its mandate.
In the next few weeks, there will be a few online offerings for producers - and other rural residents - to take in.
This week, a succession planning event will take place on April 13 at 2 p.m. The event helps producers look ahead to the future.
Then, on April 27, a Grazing Planning event will take place. Kelly Sidoryk ranches with her family near Lloydminster and will be leading the webinar. The online event takes place at 1 p.m., and registration is required ahead of time.
While last year saw a nice, green growing season, Nichiporik says it's important for producers to plan ahead and put together a grazing strategy. Right now, conditions appear to be dry, adding to the importance of having a plan in place.
A couple days later, on April 29, a water well management workshop will also be held online in the evening. This even is open to anyone who has a well, not just farmers, says Nichiporik. And while this event has been offered in the past, Nichiporik believes it's good for people to have a refresher on the topic. Topics that are covered include basics of groundwater and how a well works, how to protect a household from contamination, how to test well water, what to do with old abandoned wells, and more.
Nichiporik acknowledges that people are missing the in-person events that are normally help. “Farmers like to chat with other farmers," and the events offer an opportunity to network, she says.
Last summer, the organization was able to do some of its usual crop tours, and is aiming for the same thing this season. If those tours can't be held, alternatives will be looked at, but Nichiporik says it's better for producers to see the results with their own eyes.
LARA continues to be busy fielding phone calls and responding to emails from area producers.
"People are still keeping in touch."
This season, LARA has a long list of trials, projects and things happening to keep them busy. There will be regional variety trials with more pulses, including green, yellow and fava beans.
There will be wheat, barley and oat trials - which are a continuation of the ongoing work that LARA does. New varieties are being added, and tested against the more common varieties.
There will be regional silage trials again, and research into alternative crops will take place, looking at new, and different species that can be grown.
Canola performance trials will take place, along with a lime trial that looks at soil pH and how it affects yield.
Increasing pH is proving to be able to suppress clubroot, and is one management strategy that shows some promise. Work in this area is being done in partnership with other organizations. LARA has a policy where it will not work in clubroot-infected fields, so the trial taking place is different than other trials happening in other areas.
LARA is also in the process of applying for it hemp license. Ultra early wheat, quinoa, soil health, and environmental farm plans are also a focus of the 2021 season, along with a list of other topics.
LARA serves the MD of Bonnyville, County of St. Paul, Smoky Lake County and Lac La Biche County. Its office is located in Fort Kent.
