Edmonton, Alberta - Plot2Farm, an initiative led by Alberta Grains, has been granted $250,000 to deliver on-farm demonstrations and educational outreach to help wheat and barley producers improve agronomic practices.
RDAR, through the Agriculture Funding Consortium, supports this program by providing direct support and information to farmers. The investment is being provided through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, funded by the governments of Alberta and Canada.
The Plot2Farm program has been offered to producers since 2020. Farmers apply to participate in the program, as they benefit from learning about new crop varieties while understanding beneficial agronomic practices and receiving technical support through the growing season. Since inception, 18 trials have been completed.
The Plot2Farm model encourages wheat and barley producers to apply to the program to implement trials based on specific agronomic questions. Applicants are screened based on several factors, including the value of the trial results to Alberta farmers, the feasibility of success and the inclusion of new technology, such as innovative equipment, new crop varieties, and cutting-edge products.
"RDAR is proud to support impactful on-farm research projects that deliver value to Alberta's hard-working wheat and barley producers. This innovative program advances industry partnerships, increases the awareness and accessibility of on-farm research, and strengthens the producer-research continuum in our province."
Clinton Dobson, Vice President, Research, RDAR
The Plot2Farm trials investigate several growing practices, such as seeding rates, plant growth regulator use, fertilizer rates, and other crop input variables. RDAR is pleased to support this work as it reaches the Final Mile™, meaning that research results reach the farm and get into the producer’s hands. In this case, the research on farms can accelerate the adoption of beneficial management practices.
"The Plot2Farm program is designed to comfortably support Alberta wheat and barley producers in adopting BMPs by assessing agronomic management questions on their own farms. Farmers implement replicated trials on their farm with their equipment with the support of program agronomists. The agronomists help producers collect relevant trial data, provide technical support, and assist in creating easy-to-understand reports, which are then used in combination with small plot research data to extend best management practices right back to producers".
Jeremy Boychyn, Director Agronomy & Extension and Interim Director of Research
Alberta Grains
"Programs like Plot2Farm are important for producers because they allow us as producers to try unique practises within our own operation and share unbiased results with other wheat and barley producers."
Devin Hartzler, Grain Producer and Second Vice-Chair, Alberta Grains.
To ensure that program outcomes are shared across the industry, various extension methods are employed, including: field days, a results website, grower event presentations, and social media content. By promoting informed decision-making and adopting best management practices, the Plot2Farm program contributes to a more sustainable and productive agricultural industry in Alberta and western Canada.
About RDAR
RDAR's mandate is to target strategic investments in producer-led, results-driven agriculture research to power the profitability, productivity, competitiveness, and sustainability of Agriculture in Alberta. A not-for-profit corporation, RDAR's funding comes from the Government of Alberta and the Government of Canada through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership
About Alberta Grains
Alberta Grains is a farmer-directed organization that represents the interests of and serves as the single voice for all of Alberta's wheat and barley producers. It is a not-for-profit organization representing Alberta's wheat and barley farmers. We collect mandatory but refundable check-offs and reinvest them to grow the grain industry and its profitability. The organization works collaboratively within all levels of agriculture to achieve tangible results that benefit Alberta's grain growers. www.albertagrains.com
About the Agriculture Funding Consortium (AFC)
The AFC is a body of agriculture organizations that provides coordinated funding and stimulates private/public sector participation in Research and Innovation that supports sustainability, diversification and long-term growth for agriculture and the food industry in Western Canada. www.fundingconsortium.ca
About the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership
The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable-CAP) is a five-year, $3.5-billion investment by Canada's federal, provincial and territorial governments that supports Canada's agri-food and agri-products sectors. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5 billion commitment that is cost-shared 60 percent federally and 40 percent provincially/territorially for programs designed and delivered by provinces and territories.
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