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Photo: Aimee Cook
In the mixed farming area of Beaver County and Lamont County, the main AESA program priorities are sustainable grazing management and nutrient management planning. Recently, a small core group of local area beef producers decided to establish a Grazing Club. “This group of producers have decided they would like to meet on a more regular basis to talk about grazing issues and management,” explains Aimee Cook, Municipal Conservation Technician. “I’m working with Vicky Spenst, Farm Extension Coordinator with the Parkland Conservation Farm (PCF) to assist the group with getting started and accessing resources.”
One of the initial projects the Grazing Club plans to undertake is pipeline pasture watering systems. “By installing a pipeline in a pasture system, producers can take water to an offsite watering system or move water to get better distribution of cattle,” explains Cook. “We’re working with PFRA to bring in a pipeline pasture plow and set up some demonstrations with club members.” A demonstration day is being planned for the spring.
“We’re also in the process of planning our fourth annual women’s grazing school,” says Cook. This year’s two day workshop, planned for the Wainwright area, will focus on more advanced topics, including topics requested through past workshop evaluations. “This project is an example of a successful partnership of a number of rural extension staff, and the ability to draw people from a wider area.” Most participants are from the north-east region.
“We’re continuing to see the interest in the Alberta Environmental Farm Plan (AEFP) grow as more people become aware of the program and the benefits of being involved,” says Cook. “It also helps us interact with producers better, and gives us the opportunity to work with them one-on-one to answer questions or provide additional information to support the implementation of their plans.”
Cook sees the AEFP as a good way to get producers to think about nutrient management planning. “Producers aren’t always sure what nutrient management planning is all about, or how manure fits in with soil, water and other factors,” says Cook. “We’re looking at setting up some field days for producers who are using different nutrient management techniques, and conducting soil tests.” Cook is also planning to hold some general awareness events on nutrient management planning.
“In terms of integrated crop management, our local dealers and businesses are already doing a great job, so we support their programs and get involved by helping out with information and resources,” says Cook. Last summer Cook partnered with Alberta Reduced Tillage LINKAGES (RTL) and others on a Direct Seeding Equipment Field Day and Cropping Seminar at Tofield in June. Eight local producers demonstrated their individual direct seeding systems by seeding a full field strip to canola. “Participants had the opportunity to get down on the ground and compare the seed and fertilizer placement of the various systems,” says Cook.
Cook is also working with others in the Beaverhill watershed to plan some education awareness projects, with the goal of getting a local watershed group started. She is in the planning stages of education days for kids in the spring. Cook has received resources from Department of Fisheries and Oceans to assist with some of the projects.
Cook believes that one of the success factors is to make sure when working with producers that the right questions are being asked, and the right answers provided. “Sometimes we get stuck in the cycle of asking for feedback, but we don’t always listen or give back the information requested,” says Cook. “Targeting what producers want is an important part of program planning. We should be putting our extension efforts into programs that will help producers improve their management practices and be successful. It’s all about asking the right questions.”
For more information, contact:
Aimee Cook at (780) 663-3730 or email: aesa@beaver.ab.ca |
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