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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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Sclerotinia and Lygus in Seed Canola: Field Update with George Lubberts, CCA | Enchant, Alberta

Video: Sclerotinia and Lygus in Seed Canola: Field Update with George Lubberts, CCA | Enchant, Alberta

Join Certified Crop Advisor George Lubberts for this Prairie Certified Crop Advisor (Prairie CCA) field update from Enchant, Alberta. In this 12th video of the series, George takes us into a seed canola field where the male rows have been removed and the female plants are filling pods. This video was taken in the third week of August 2025.

George discusses the early signs of sclerotinia stem rot, explaining how infection begins in the stem, impacts pod development, and leads to premature ripening. He also shares insights on lygus bug management, including timing of spray applications to minimize feeding damage and maintain seed size and quality.

With cool, damp summer conditions, George notes that while disease pressure is present, overall field health remains good. The crop is just beginning to show early seed colour change, signaling progress toward maturity.

Topics Covered:

•Sclerotinia stem rot identification and impact

•Managing lygus bugs in seed canola

•Crop stage and seed colour change observations

•Timing insecticide sprays for optimal protection

•Insights from a CCA field perspective in southern Alberta