Extension Events: Don't Miss Out

By Adriane Good, MSc., PAg, Livestock and Feed Extension Specialist

Every year, extension specialists within the Ministry of Agriculture work together with producers and industry to host multiple extension events throughout the winter. Whether it be large province-wide events like Agronomy Research Update and Rancher’s University or regional events like Yorkton’s Steaks and Stems or Regional Round-Up, extension specialists provide important information to producers across the province through their winter events.

Agronomy Research Update, held in Saskatoon, is in its 15th year and has consistently been well attended by crop producers and agronomists in the province. This year it will be hosted from December 10 to 11, covering insect and disease control and other agronomic topics. In recent years, the event has moved to a hybrid event, with both virtual and in-person attendance options, reaching more producers and agronomists than previously possible. Agronomy Research Update has been helpful to previous attendees who have appreciated the variety of speakers and topics to help them improve production on the farm.

Rancher’s University is an annual event held in a different city each year. Now in its third year, the event will be held in Moose Jaw on December 5 and 6. This event focuses on classroom-style lectures along with hands-on learning, allowing producers to gain first-hand experience. This year’s keynote speaker, Dr. Stephanie Hansen from Iowa State University, will discuss mineral supplementation in cow-calf herds, especially those dealing with high-sulphate water. Other topics covered will be water treatment, genetic versus phenotypic selection of breeding stock, marketing calves and foot conformation.

The topics vary by year and host city, targeting the needs of the producers in the region. Last year, producers learned about ways to improve forage production, improve diagnostics on farm, and reduce winter feeding costs, leading to a potential total savings of $57,000 for each producer in attendance. Many producers said that they “would like to attend more events like this” and “loved this opportunity.”

Other Events: Ministry events do not just focus on agronomic advice. They often include information about conflict management, mental health and more. Additionally, Agriculture Program Specialists and Agri-Environmental Specialists often participate in events to help inform producers about funding options available to make changes more financially feasible.

There are several other events hosted throughout the province, all with valuable impacts for attendees. For instance, a young producer attending Foraging into the Future, held in Swift Current last year, said that the event was one he “could learn a lot from.” Several smaller local events were hosted last winter across the province, with attendees saying how much they appreciated the events and speakers coming to a town near them.

From feed testing and mineral nutrition and funding opportunities to grazing plans and agronomy tips, there is something for everyone. To find an event near you, call the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377 or visit the Saskatchewan Agriculture Events Calendar.