In Saskatchewan, we are fortunate to have several sources of research and demonstration information close to us. The Agriculture-Applied Research Management (Agri-ARM) network spans across Saskatchewan with eight sites conducting research and demonstration trials.
Kaeley Kindrachuk,
Regional Crops Specialist,
Outlook
Each site operates independently of each other and are run by producer directed boards. The focus of each site is to provide local, unbiased research results to producers in the area. All of the sites receive funding from Saskatchewan Agriculture each year.
The Agri-ARM sites take advantage of the Agriculture Demonstration of Practices and Technologies (ADOPT) program which provides funding to groups to demonstrate new practices and technologies to producers. In addition, the sites will also conduct research funded by commodity groups, industry and the Agriculture Development Fund (ADF) program. Saskatchewan Agriculture’s specialists work with the sites to provide project ideas and extension around research results.
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The sites are spread throughout the province representing different soil zones and geographies. Although these sites run independently of each other, some of the same projects are managed at a number of locations so that results can be compared across the province. The eight locations are:
• Western Applied Research Corporation at Scott
• Conservation Learning Centre at Prince Albert
• Northeast Agricultural Research Foundation at Melfort
• Irrigation Crop Diversification Corporation at Outlook
• East Central Research Foundation at Yorkton
• Wheatland Conservation Association at Swift Current
• Indian Head Agricultural Research Foundation at Indian Head
• South East Agricultural Research Foundation at Redvers
Irrigation Crop Diversification Corporation (ICDC) is located in Outlook at the Federal Research Station, Canada-Saskatchewan Irrigation Diversification Centre (CSIDC). ICDC focusses on irrigated trials but does a dryland comparison on some as well. ICDC participates in many regional variety trials such as those for canola, flax, soybean, and cereal crops.
The results of the variety trials are used to create the ICDC Crop Varieties for Irrigation guide for producers. Other trials include row spacing, plant populations, seeding date, nutrient management, and fungicides for various crops.
Studies also include crops like dry beans, special crops, fruit and vegetables. Crops and Irrigation Branch staff and Regional Services staff are actively involved in the program in Outlook and conduct on farm trials with local producers. Results of the projects are published annually and can be found online or at the Outlook Regional Office.
Throughout the year, there are many opportunities to tour the research projects and see results presented. There is an annual field day held in July every year, highlighting CSIDC, University of Saskatchewan and ICDC projects.
This year the field day is on July 12. Later on in the summer, there is a second field day dedicated to ICDC projects (2018 date to be determined). If you are unable to attend a field day, but would still like to tour the research station, please contact Saskatchewan Agriculture staff in Outlook. During the growing season, specialists promote what is happening in the Agri-ARM plots by doing regular “Crop Walks” on social media.
To see what is happening in the Outlook plots this year, search #cropwalk18 on Twitter. There are also various online and printed publications that can be accessed including annual reports and information on varieties, and economics and agronomics.
Every December, there is an annual conference held by the Saskatchewan Irrigation Projects Association (SIPA) and ICDC in Moose Jaw. At this conference, the years’ research and demonstration program is presented by ICDC and Saskatchewan Agriculture staff.
For more information or if you have an idea for a project:
• visit http://irrigationsaskatchewan.com/icdc/ or http://agriarm.ca/
• contact your nearest regional crops specialist
• follow ICDC on Twitter @ICDC_SK
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