Chairman’s message » By Richard Friztler, Chairman Southern Applied Research Association
W
elcome everyone to the fall edition of the Farming Smarter Magazine. It’s been a challenging year with a cool, wet spring and a hot, dry fall. I would like to thank the SARA and SACA board of directors, Ken and all the staff for their work this year. I would also like to thank all our members and partners for your valued support. SARA continues to play a bigger role in plot research, field trials and getting information out to farmers. SARA hosted a very successful Diagnostic Field School at the Lethbridge College site, a great tour at the County of Cypress site and several other crop walks this past season. There always seems to be something new to learn each year that helps us in our operations. Look for new and improved Farming Smarter branded events and information in 2012 as SARA and SACA hope to streamline operations by amalgamating to form southern Alberta’s Farming Smarter Association. Have a great fall and winter and I look forward to seeing you at some of the great events planned for this winter! Yours truly, Richard Friztler, Chairman Southern Applied Research Association
Cutline text set in 8 pt. Univers Condensed. PHOTO CREDIT IF NEEDED From left: Farming Smarter (FS) Manager Ken Coles, FS Chair Richard Fitzler and Doug Horner listen to Len Mitzel explain the workings of the wind powered grain mill that dominates the field at the Etzikom Windmill Museum. Credit: C. Lacombe
GM’s report » By Ken Coles, General Manager, Farming Smarter
D
Ken Coles who sees a future so bright he has to wear shades! Credit: C. Lacombe
4
Farming Smarter / Fall 2011
espite many weather related challenges that seem to be the norm these days, I am very pleased with this past season. SARA and SACA have had yet another facelift with a significant change in staff, some new board members and a continually expanding workload. The new Farming Smarter team, comprised of a number of young, skilled and passionate individuals, is working hard to deliver three core programs: Growing New Ideas, Growing Knowledge and Growing Stewardship in southern Alberta’s production agriculture. Look for new ways to learn as we expand our efforts in precision agriculture, communication, agronomy and stewardship. You can find this information by joining our email list to receive our monthly e-newsletter,
by following us on twitter and facebook or by checking out our new and improved website www.farmingsmarter.com set to re-launch in December featuring a video library of our events and online version of the Farming Smarter magazine. Have a great winter and we look forward to Farming Smarter with you for years to come! Ken Coles General Manager Farming Smarter