Information is the key

This time of year we sit back and reflect on how the year went and for 2009 it is just better to forget then remember. But as we move into the 2010 growing season crop plans are being finalized and growers are looking for what is going to make them the greatest return. Information is a great tool to help make decisions on the farm and a way to get that information is through some of the information meetings throughout the prairies. As a certified crop advisor, I go to meetings all through the year and find that the more meetings you go to the more information you can receive, which increases your knowledge base. An annual meeting that I attend is Farm Tech in Edmonton, AB. This is a three day information season that provides great information on new products and technologies for farmers. It is very interactive with growers and provides a good forum for information. There is also a tradeshow that is going on at the same time which growers can go to the companies and get more detailed information about their product lines. Getting to know your local rep is always a good plan because they are a source of information and if they don’t know they will help steer you to the right people who have the information.

Another source of information to watch for is webinars. Webinars are a great way to get information without leaving the comfort of your home. This way you can attend session from all over the world which gives some insight in what your competitors in other countries are doing and how they are making technology work.

There are many meetings that go on over the winter so take a look at the agenda and plan to attend either in person or online to keep up to date what is available for the 2010 growing season.

Those are my thoughts,

Garth Donald C.C.A.