Agri-Arm Research Capacity Funding-WCA

Summary

These projects are key to producers in the agriculture industry since they focus on local research, practical to their farming operations. The vast majority of these projects provide funds for labour, supplies, and analysis etc., however rarely do they include equipment depreciation or allocate funds for upgrades or replacement. Since the equipment we work with is very technical and expensive it becomes a financial burden when it comes time to replace. Infrastructure programs that support the purchase of specialized research equipment, allow us to run a broader range of projects involving wheat and other crops. This increased research capacity will ensure we maintain a high level of efficiency and keeps our research current without having to take fund away from other sources.

Research Results

Producer driven agriculture research is key to the agriculture industry as it is focussed on local research, practical to their farming operations. The vast majority of these projects provide funds for labour, supplies, and analysis etc., however rarely do they include equipment depreciation or allocate funds for upgrades or replacement. Since the equipment we work with is very technical and expensive it becomes a financial burden when it comes time to replace. Infrastructure programs that support the purchase of specialized research equipment, allow us to run a broader range of projects involving wheat, barley and other crops. The Wheatland Conservation Area has had great success over the past number of years attracting projects from a wide range of research partners. This increased research capacity will ensure we maintain a high level of efficiency and keeps our research current without having to take fund away from other sources like wages which is critical to attract and maintain qualified staff.

Capacity funding from the Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission has made it possible to purchase a new tractor, as well as plot sprayer. The new tractor will ensure a reliable power unit for multitude 3-point hitch tools used for research trials. The features on the new tractor insure precise and safe seeding, mowing, rolling, along with a multitude of front-end loader work.

The new plot sprayer will increase the workload, efficiency and safety of spray operations. The cab with a toggle switch for treatments allows for reduced risk to the operator as well less man-power. The sprayer is to be used to control pests and plant diseases by spraying pesticides, herbicides. The set speed of the unit will also remove human error compared to a push sprayer.

With the current demands on the agriculture industry and with agriculture under the microscope to provide a safe, sustainable, and healthy food source, we have become a very knowledge-based industry highly dependent on research. The infrastructure funding provided will provide the necessary tools to advance our overall research capacity in southwest Saskatchewan and stay on pace with future research demands. This infrastructure investment demonstrates a very high level of commitment to producers in the province and the agriculture industry as a whole. The Wheatland Conservation Area Inc is very much appreciative of this support and the trust you have in this organization to deliver quality research relevant to growers of our region. This increased research capacity will ensure we maintain a high level of efficiency and keeps our research current without having to take fund away from other sources like wages which is critical to attract and maintain qualified staff.