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Confirmed Speakers

Dr. Michael Harding is a Plant Pathologist with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry. He received a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Lethbridge, and a PhD in plant pathology from the University of Arizona. Dr. Harding currently works as a Research Scientist in Plant Pathology at the Crop Diversification Centre South, in Brooks, AB. His program is involved in applied research, extension and surveillance of diseases on cereal, oilseed, pulse, specialty and horticultural crops. 

Dr. Claudia Sheedy AAFC lead in biobed pesticide rinsate project at Farming Smarter

Lewis Baarda  Lewis Baarda is the On-Farm Research authority at Farming Smarter. He uses his Master’s degree in geography and experience with spatial analysis and multivariate statistics to conduct field scale research on farms. Lewis came to us experienced with data collection, statistical analysis and capable of managing large and complex data sets. 

Summary

Can you optimize production AND reduce crop inputs such as water and nitrogen fertilizer? Lewis will talk about a new Farming Smarter project evaluating the use of EM38 soil conductivity sensor to provide real-time information that can be used to make decisions around crop input applications. This project aims to use a real-time soil EC mapping to assess and adjust evolving yield expectations in-season. This data will provide producers with the means to better evaluate when and where to apply nitrogen fertilizer according to crop needs. If in-season yield projections drop below pre-season targets a producer can choose to reduce or redirect nitrogen inputs to another field or location. Having an up-to-date assessment of yield potential helps farmers to better use 4R nutrient stewardship to apply fertilizer at the right rate, time, and place according to current crop needs.