Alberta Crop Diagnostic Days return to Lakeland College on July 16, offering presentations on timely crop production topics relevant to Alberta producers. In addition to the diagnostic sessions, Lakeland's Cultivate & Connect event will highlight crop and agronomy research projects underway on campus.

“Alberta Crop Diagnostic Days are an exciting event that we are proud to participate in for a third year,” says Dr. Francois Paradis, Lakeland's dean of applied research. “It provides a valuable opportunity to share new technologies in agriculture through a field-based setting, while building meaningful connections with those shaping the future of the sector.”

Alberta Crop Diagnostic Days is a collaborative event led by Alberta Grains, Alberta Pulse Growers, Alberta Canola Producers Commission, Lethbridge Polytechnic, Western Crop Innovation, and Lakeland, designed to unite knowledge sharing and innovation within a single, cohesive platform. It invites researchers, producers and industry representatives to campus to participate in information sessions, crop tours and networking opportunities.

The day will begin with check-in at 7:45 a.m. at the crop plots. Throughout the day, attendees will have the opportunity to engage with Lakeland’s applied research team — including Dr. Balwinder Kumar, Dr. Haider Abbas and Robyne Davidson — as they showcase current research initiatives alongside invited expert guest speakers including Garret Girletz (Government of Alberta), Jeff Schoeneau (University of Saskatchewan) and Boyd Mori (University of Alberta).

Industry partners will also be included, with booths set up in the main tent to highlight innovations, services and relevant technologies for the modern producer.

Nine presentations will be available, with an opportunity to earn 4.5 continuing education unit credits. Sessions include:

• Improving pulse crop resiliency
• Current challenges and ongoing research initiatives in pulse production
• Spray water matters: Impact on crop protection and nutrient uptake
• Canola agronomy – Precision weed control
• Straw harvest vs. retention: Impacts on soil health and crop productivity
• Richardson's ground squirrel control
• Insect pest management in canola
• Canola agronomy – Preventing blackleg from taking a big bite out of your field
• Wild oats

There is no cost to attend; however, registration is required. Register here. Snacks and lunch will be provided.

This is an outdoor field event; attendees are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather.