RDAR Invests in Alberta Regional Silage Trial Program

February 6, 2023 – RDAR is investing $150,000 for 2-year funding for a project to operate regional silage trial program in Alberta. 

The goal of the project is to conduct Regional Silage Trials in a very targeted and controlled method focusing on delivering high quality data that is relevant to the Alberta livestock and crop sectors. 

Efficiency and results are primary drivers of the new project. Hence a very compact program will be operated for the next 2 years focusing on delivering data in areas with high silage acreage. In building the proposal, other prairie provinces as well as cattle feeders, beef and dairy sectors in Alberta have been consulted. The rising cost of operating the project has also been taken into consideration, with coordination of sites to be within proximity of other regional variety trial sites to ensure efficiency for both trial coordinators and site cooperators. Rigor of the project will be ensured by adopting the bylaws, policies, procedures, and protocols of ARVAC*, and amending to fit silage trials where appropriate. 

This program will constantly be evaluated for efficiency and relevancy, which is intended to operate a project that delivers value to the agriculture sector in Alberta. 

Alberta Seed Processors (ASP) will act in an administrative capacity along with significant contribution of industry partners including, but not limited to Alberta-British Columbia Seed Growers (ABCSG), Alberta Beef Producers, professional agronomists, plant breeders, plot cooperators, and private seed companies. The results of the silage regional variety trials will be published in the Alberta Seed Guide and be used to guide producer decisions on new varieties. 

Please direct further questions to Monica Klaas monica.klaas@seedprocessors.ca. 403 489 9999. 

About ASP: 

ASP is comprised of farmer-owned seed & grain processing co-ops providing Alberta farmers, seed growers and the agriculture industry with value-added services to support the growth of the local and global agriculture economy. 

About ABCSG: 

ABCSG is one of six provincial branches of the Canadian Seed Growers Association. Their role is to provide marketing and advocacy for members locally, regionally and nationally. Alberta-British Columbia is a key player in Canada’s seed industry – and accounts for more than a quarter of Canada’s certified seed acres. 

About RDAR: 

RDAR’s mandate is to target strategic investments in producer-led, results-driven agriculture research to power the competitiveness, profitability, productivity, and sustainability of agriculture in Alberta. As a not-for-profit corporation, RDAR’s funding comes from the Government of Alberta, the Government of Canada, and Alberta’s Government through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership program. www.rdar.ca 

 *ARVAC Alberta Regional Variety Advisory Committee.