RDAR Invests in Alberta Regional Silage Trial Program

Feb 15, 2023

RDAR is investing $150,000 for 2-year funding for a project to operate regional silage trial program in Alberta.

The goal of the project is to conduct Regional Silage Trials in a very targeted and controlled method focusing on delivering high quality data that is relevant to the Alberta livestock and crop sectors.

Efficiency and results are primary drivers of the new project. Hence a very compact program will be operated for the next 2 years focusing on delivering data in areas with high silage acreage. In building the proposal, other prairie provinces as well as cattle feeders, beef and dairy sectors in Alberta have been consulted. The rising cost of operating the project has also been taken into consideration, with coordination of sites to be within proximity of other regional variety trial sites to ensure efficiency for both trial coordinators and site cooperators. Rigor of the project will be ensured by adopting the bylaws, policies, procedures, and protocols of ARVAC*, and amending to fit silage trials where appropriate.

This program will constantly be evaluated for efficiency and relevancy, which is intended to operate a project that delivers value to the agriculture sector in Alberta.

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Video: Season 7, Episode 1: Managing Risk and Seeing Opportunities in U.S. Pork Production

Today’s episode features three guests discussing the similarities and differences between pork production in the United States and Brazil, along with strategies for managing risk in today’s industry while recognizing and acting on opportunities. First, Dr. Anne Caroline de Lara, executive manager of live pig production at Seara Alimentos, a JBS company in Brazil, is joined by Dr. Matthew Turner, head of operations for JBS Live Pork. Together, they discuss how labor, climate and ventilation challenges vary between Brazil and the United States, while underscoring their shared commitment to raising healthy pigs. They also point to lessons producers in both countries can take from one another’s systems and on-farm experiences. Then, Brady Reicks, risk manager at Reicks View Farms, shares his perspective on risk management, drawing from his background in markets and his transition into farming. He discusses how protecting margins varies by operation and offers practical approaches producers can use to make marketing and business decisions with greater confidence rather than hesitation.

Both conversations were recorded at recent industry events focused on swine livability, including the International Conference on Pig Livability and Iowa Swine Day.