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Photo: Candice Armstrong
Area producers from the Municipal District of Acadia and Special Areas have benefited from the applied research and demonstration programs of the Chinook Applied Research Association (CARA) for several years. Program priorities include pasture and forage management, beef production and integrated cropping management.
“One of our priority areas is sustainable grazing and pasture management, for both native and tame pastures,” explains Cara Bomphray, AESA Extension Specialist with CARA. “One of our new exciting programs is a woman’s grazing school, the first one held last fall with over 40 participants.” The course covered all aspects of pasture management, including plant species identification, riparian areas, offsite watering, cattle handling, manure management and other topics.
“We’re planning to hold another one day women’s grazing course in the spring, but on a smaller scale and with a more advanced, hands-on component.” Bomphray partnered with other area AESA rural extension staff, including Kirsten Cuss of the Counties of Flagstaff and Paintearth, and Starr Damron of Battle River Research Group.
“We’re planning a Family Grazing Day with similar topics, with a special focus on the next generation of farmers,” says Bomphray. “This will be a hands-on, practical demonstration day in one of the local Community Pastures in June.” Although the program is still in the planning stages, there will be sessions for younger kids, teens and adults, with an emphasis on various aspects of grazing and pasture management.
As part of sustainable grazing systems, swath grazing is receiving increased attention by producers. Bomphray has two swath grazing demonstration days planned for mid-February, one in Consort and another in Sibbald. Various speakers will be providing presentations on topics ranging from extending the grazing season to various winter grazing options to nutrient management planning. “We will follow the presentations with a tour and demonstrations including fencing systems, moving cattle and feed wastage,” explains Bomphray. An additional one-day Feed Wastage Day is planned later in the winter, in partnership with a local cooperator.
With about one-third of special areas in cropland, the CARA program also focuses on integrated crop management. Bomphray has two Crop Production Workshops planned for March in Acadia Valley and Altario, with the focus on conservation tillage, crop rotations, soils, fertilizers and other inputs, pulse, winter wheat and other crops. “We’re also putting on a marketing course for grain and oilseed producers to help them address low commodity prices and try to improve their returns,” explains Bomphray. “We often hear that producers are hesitant to adopt different practices because of low returns, high costs and lack of time. We’re hoping these programs and demonstrations will help producers make the best decisions for their operations.” CARA has several ongoing variety trials, and has started long-term crop rotations studies east of Hanna and at Acadia Valley.
Bomphray is also a technical advisor for the Alberta Environmental Farm Plan, and has seen the interest in the program increase over the past year. “Initially it was difficult to get people to come to the workshops, but now more people are calling and getting involved and we’re pleased with the success,” says Bomphray. “The course usually generates a few calls from producers for followup on various aspects, which gives me a good opportunity to work with them more one-on-one.”
There is a shelterbelt demonstration at the CARA centre. “Producers often stop in to ask about trees, which usually leads to other questions and things that are on their mind,” says Bomphray. “I think these and other opportunities such as the various workshops, the newsletter and attending various local agriculture related events as a good way to interact with local producers, find out what their needs are and help them adopt best practices.”
For more information, contact:
Cara Bomphray (403) 664-3777 or email: cara-cb@xplornet.com |
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