Yorkton, SK – Parkland College and East Central Research Foundation (ECRF) welcomed farmers and agriculture industry representatives Wednesday for an inaugural field day. The event was organized to highlight the partnership between the college and ECRF at their research farm half a mile south of Yorkton.
“In March we signed a memorandum of understanding that lets us pursue agricultural applied research projects together,” said Gwen Machnee, Parkland College’s University and Applied Research Coordinator. “We are pooling resources and combining our strengths: the college can access certain funds that ECRF cannot, while ECRF has the equipment we require to run these research projects.”
Numerous trials are underway this summer. Researchers are testing new canola varieties from Monsanto, conducting trials on North Star Genetics varieties of shorter-maturity soybeans, and running demonstrations on grasses and legumes with Saskatchewan Agriculture. Dutch Openers AirGuard seed brakes are also being tested for improved seed and fertilizer placement.
“It’s very rewarding to host our first field day in this partnership with Parkland College,” said ECRF chairman Glenn Blakley. “We’re looking forward to being able to provide information on innovative products, ideas, and techniques to local farmers.”
The research farm is also helpful for students at Parkland College. The land is used for teaching purposes and allows students to gain experience in the agribusiness and bioresources industry.
Parkland College and ECRF plan to continue agriculture research trial programs in the Yorkton area for the long term. The information developed and gathered on site will be shared with the research community, agricultural industry, and local producers.
About Parkland College:
Since its inception in 1973, Parkland College has worked to expand the philosophy of life-long learning in East Central Saskatchewan. Among the seven basic principles upon which the community college system was founded is the idea that programs are to be developed in response to the needs of the community. Today, Parkland College offers a broad spectrum of educational services from trades training and high school upgrading to the province’s most diverse off-campus university offerings.
About East Central Research Foundation:
ECRF is a non-profit organization established in 1996 at Canora. It undertakes applied research projects and demonstrates specialized crop protection technologies to local producers. Funding from government agencies allows ECRF to conduct trials on everything from seed treatments and crop residues to fertilizer application rates and weed and pest control. ECRF is one of eight producer-directed research and demonstration groups in Saskatchewan making up the Agriculture – Applied Research Management (Agri-ARM) network.
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For more information contact:
Gwen Machnee
Coordinator, University and Applied Research
Parkland College
Phone: 306.786.2593
Email: g.machnee@parklandcollege.sk.ca