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Alpacas are known for their soft, lush wool

Years ago, Glenda and Tim Shotter attended the Canadian Western Agribition in Regina.

As they strolled past the livestock, they came across the alpacas, which sparked an interest with Glenda.

Shotter also attended the trade show and purchased a pair of alpaca mitts. It was then that Shotter was hooked.

In 2011, Shotter began to purchase her registered alpacas for their farm northwest of Creelman, where she lives with her husband Tim and four sons.

There are two kinds of alpacas. Suri produce a longer, cylindrical locks, similar to dreadlocks. The huacaya produces curly, dense and soft wool. Shotter owns huacaya alpacas.

Shotter is very particular when she purchases livestock. They need to be the right size and have a great temperament. Their genetics need to be strong and have excellent fiber.

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Trending Video

Supplemental Nitrogen on Soybeans: Can Early Nitrogen Increase Yield?

Video: Supplemental Nitrogen on Soybeans: Can Early Nitrogen Increase Yield?

Can supplemental nitrogen help soybeans reach higher yield potential? Technical Agronomist Tim Sickman walks through an ongoing trial at the Nutrien Innovation Farm in Owensboro, Kentucky, exploring whether a modest amount of nitrogen applied at planting can support higher-yielding soybean environments.

The trial compares 30 pounds of supplemental nitrogen across both 15- and 30-inch rows, along with treatments that include sulfur and micronutrients. Similar trials conducted in 2024 and 2025 delivered a six- to seven-bushel yield response, prompting the team to expand the research this season.

Early observations show that treated soybeans are slightly taller and averaging about two additional nodes on the main stem. These added nodes could create more opportunities for blooms and pods, but the true results will come at harvest when the team evaluates pod development, seed fill and final yield.

In This Video:

Why high-yield soybeans may need supplemental nitrogen

Results from the 2024 and 2025 trials

Nitrogen treatments in 15- and 30-inch rows

Fertilizer placement and application methods

Differences in plant height and node counts

Potential effects on pod development and yield