Lethbridge Polytechnic hosts farm field day

Lethbridge Polytechnic’s usually quiet research field was overrun with tents, trucks and people.

Lethbridge Polytechnic’s usually quiet research field was overrun with tents, trucks and people. Dozens of farmers, agronomists and other industry experts were gathered to share their insights and knowledge. “The idea is to bring together a sort of consolidated program of best management practices and new things that this producer should be aware of in different parts of the province,” said Willemijn Appels, Lethbridge Polytechnic senior research chair.

Attendees had the chance to learn about a wide variety of topics. The event covered everything from irrigation to weather forecasting to new technology. “By trying to pull in new speakers and to make sure that we have different organizations here, we are able to provide more information also to people who may not have heard of Lethbridge Polytechnic before,” said Appels.

The event is hosted in partnership with Alberta Grains and the Alberta Canola Producers Commission. The longtime partners see the value in gathering and sharing what’s working on farms. “We’ve got to get the knowledge from the colleges and the research stations and the universities out to the people who can put it to use,” said Dean Hubbard with Alberta Grains.

Events like these are crucial for the entire ag industry. Farming is advancing quickly, which can make it difficult for producers to keep up. By sharing knowledge, the entire Canadian ag industry stays competitive.

“I wouldn’t say any one province is a leader. It’s the collaboration across provinces that’s our big bonus,” said Hubbard.