More than 100 people from the southeast area learned more about current trends in agriculture during the 16th annual Moose Mountain Ag Day on March 1 at Arcola’s Prairie Place Hall.
Five different speakers offered information on the grain and livestock sectors, along with marketing tips environmental advice. A trade show attracted about a dozen exhibitors who offered details on various products and services.
“We had a great lineup of speakers this year,” said event spokesperson Mark Neuman, who farms in the Alameda area.
The opening speaker was Allan Mitchell, general manager with AgraTactics Agronomy, who spoke about agronomy.
“He discussed … the importance of kernel weight, seeding rates, proper seeding depth, fertility and fertilizer placement,” said Neuman.
Jay Fuhrer from the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Bismarck, N.D., discussed such topics as soil disturbance, plant diversity, living roots in the cropping system and livestock integration with annual crops.
The third speaker was David Pattyson, who is the watershed co-ordinator with the Upper Souris Watershed Association.
“He spoke on the state of our watershed, some of the reasons we need to focus on water quality, and being aware of practices in our watershed so we can provide quality water,” said Neuman.
Ken Evans, a farm management specialist with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, discussed the five components of transitioning a farm to the next generation, and what the ministry can do to help.
“I think a lot of producers came out for that, to hear what the steps are,” said Neuman. “There’s a program to help with some of the financial costs in getting a consultant to help with the farm succession planning.”
Fuhrer returned to the stage to explain how to integrate a livestock system into annual cropping systems. He showed a lot of the data he has compiled over the years that indicate the benefits of integrating livestock, and how it affects soil biology.
The final speaker was Craig Klemmer, who is a senior economist with Farm Credit Canada. His focus was on global trends and the value of the Canadian dollar, and how they will affect agriculture.
“He talked about some of the trends for oil, the gross domestic product, employment and agriculture farm equipment,” said Neuman.
Since the Moose Mountain Ag Day is a one-day event, Neuman said they want to bring in speakers who touch on issues facing the livestock, grains and oilseeds sectors. Some of the speakers will address multiple industries.
“What we try and do is get the most relevant information for the time, when new things come along,” said Neuman. “Over the last number of years, we certainly had a lot of speakers brought in to talk about soil health. There’s always been a lot of interest for soil health, and that’s a new and evolving science as we understand the biology in living soil.
“Getting those speakers, and having people become more aware and comfortable with understanding how soil principles work, they can start adjusting some of their management practices.”
Neuman noted that Fuhrer emphasized water infiltration, and how important it is in regards to improved soil health, so that more water can be stored on the land.
“That really makes a positive impact on watersheds when people start changing their management and getting better water infiltration and storage,” said Neuman.
The event also gave producers a number of opportunities to network, and to check out the trade show.
Neuman believes the Moose Mountain Ag Day is a viable event and important day for producers. It’s not easy to keep an event like that going, so they’re always looking for input or new board members.
If people have ideas for speakers or topics for next year, Neuman urges them to contact one of the board members, or to call Lorne Klein with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture at 306-848-2382.
