113 farmers and industry representatives enjoyed presentations on edible bean research at the Ontario Bean Grower’s (OBG) annual Research Day held at the Huron Research Station on August 18. Joining OBG members were members of the Thames Valley Soil and Crop Improvement Association.The Huron Research Station is operated by the Ridgetown Campus of the University of Guelph (U of G) and is led by a team researchers including Dr. Peter Sikkema, (Field Crop Weed Management) and Chris Gillard (Dry Bean Agronomy & Pest Management) both of whom gave presentations on their research.
Another U of G researcher, Dr. Peter Pauls (Breeding & Genomics), gave a talk on the University’s bean breeding program.
Dr. Jeremy McNeil, Professor at the University of Western Ontario and Order of Canada recipient, presented on his research on the reproductive biology and overwintering success of the Western Bean Cutworm.
Following the presentations U of G researchers gave a wagon tour of the field trials currently underway including varietal testing, the use of cover crops and pesticide applications.
Jim Gowland, Ontario Bean Growers Chair, welcomed those gathered. “This is the largest crowd we have had yet,” said Gowland. “The rate of industry growth is reliant on the contributions and work done at the station and other research institutions partnered with OBG.” He thanked the researchers for their contributions and looked forward to their continued partnerships.
Research is the single biggest line item in OBG’s budget. Including dollars leveraged from government and industry partners, they contribute nearly half-a-million dollars annually to research projects. Current industry partners include Grain Farmers of Ontario, Alberta Pulse Growers, and the Manitoba Pulse and Soybean Growers.
The day wrapped up with a steak BBQ sponsored by OBG, Gowan Canada and the U of G researchers.
Source: Ontariobeans