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Saskatchewan Pulse Growers launches new strategic plan

Today Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG) launches a new strategic plan with a refreshed focus on priorities with the greatest impact to pulse growers in Saskatchewan, looking ahead to 2030. 

Built on direction from SPG’s nine-member Board of Directors, made up of farmers, this new strategic plan highlights four key focus areas: 

  • Research & Variety Development 
  • Market Growth & Diversification 
  • Grower Engagement & Extension  
  • Market Access & Advocacy 

“SPG recognizes that we cannot focus only on producing more, but we also need to diversify and grow demand and provide an enabling policy environment for producers. Extension and engagement with growers is also essential to a profitable pulse industry and this new plan brings balance across all of these areas,” explains SPG Board Chair Winston van Staveren.  

The new plan highlights an elevated focus on advocacy on behalf of producers, and the importance of partnering with other provincial and national organizations in areas like market access, trade policy, market diversification, and public trust.  

The plan also features specific strategies to address some of the most critical issues facing pulse growers today, including a multi-disciplinary approach to finding solutions to root rot, continuing to expand partnerships in pulse breeding and variety development creating a competitive breeding environment, and expanding research capacity through both infrastructure and people development.  

“As we look forward to 2030, SPG is focused on work that will provide sustainable growth and profitability for growers and we believe this strategic plan sets a clear path towards a more resilient and thriving pulse sector in Saskatchewan,” says Carl Potts, Executive Director with SPG. 

The detailed strategic plan can be viewed in full here, with outcomes of strategic initiatives being reported on throughout the year and in SPG’s future Annual Reports. Be sure to sign up join our mailing list to receive digital communications from SPG to stay up to date on progress towards these goals. 

Accountable to and funded by growers, SPG’s strategic direction is guided by a nine-member, grower-elected, Board of Directors. SPG’s mission is to provide leadership for profitable growth for Saskatchewan pulses. 

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Dicamba Returns for Georgia Farmers: What the New EPA Ruling Means for Cotton Growers

Video: Dicamba Returns for Georgia Farmers: What the New EPA Ruling Means for Cotton Growers

After being unavailable in 2024 due to registration issues, dicamba products are returning for Georgia farmers this growing season — but under strict new conditions.

In this report from Tifton, Extension Weed Specialist Stanley Culpepper explains the updated EPA ruling, including new application limits, mandatory training requirements, and the need for a restricted use pesticide license. Among the key changes: a cap of two ½-pound applications per year and the required use of an approved volatility reduction agent with every application.

For Georgia cotton producers, the ruling is significant. According to Taylor Sills with the Georgia Cotton Commission, the vast majority of cotton planted in the state carries the dicamba-tolerant trait — meaning farmers had been paying for technology they couldn’t use.

While environmental groups have expressed concerns over spray drift, Georgia growers have reduced off-target pesticide movement by more than 91% over the past decade. Still, this two-year registration period will come with increased scrutiny, making stewardship and compliance more important than ever.