Research and education key to success in agricultural sector
August 2, 2011
When growers look to understand the how and why of emerging agricultural threats, they turn to the experts. Experts like David Hooker, Field Crop Agronomist with the University of Guelph and Luc Bourgeois, the Horticulture and Row Crop Research and Development Manager for Bayer CropScience. It is this access to expertise that is the driving force behind the Bayer CropScience Dead Weeds Tour; a coming together of industry specialists and retailers working towards the advancement of knowledge in agriculture.
Now in its 11th year, The Bayer CropScience Dead Weeds Tour is an opportunity for agricultural retailers and crop advisors to get together and learn about the challenges facing growers, and most importantly – what they can do about them.
In an ever-changing environment, where new species of weeds, fungi and insects pose challenges to crop quality and yield, an event such as The Dead Weeds Tour is a lifeline for growers.
Greg Hannam a Guelph-area grower appreciates the local focus of the event. “It’s really good for famers in the Guelph area that [Bayer] has done research for products we’re going to use locally,” Hannam says.
In Guelph, Bayer CropScience research has focused on minimizing crop stress and developing products to strengthen root systems and improve disease resistance. “We’ve seen a lot of good results with seed treatment this year and will soon discover how drought affects fungicide,” says Bourgeois referring to The Company’s innovations in soybean management, and its research into corn and wheat fungicides.
Understanding how different products react in different environments is a big part of the ongoing research at Bayer CropScience. The Company operates four research facilities across Canada and has partnerships with the University of Saskatchewan, the University of Guelph, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada as well as provincial departments such as the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). They also have long-standing relationships with growers on the front lines. These partnerships ensure Bayer CropScience products are thoroughly tested before commercialization, and that growers themselves have input into research trials and product development.
“We’re dedicated to building relationships with our customers and bringing them helpful information to grow their business,” says Greg Good, Row Crop Portfolio Manager for Bayer CropScience.
Speakers at this year’s Dead Weeds Tour also included Peter Johnson, OMAFRA Cereal Specialist, who spoke on the effects of weather stress on wheat; David Hooker, Field Crop Agronomist with the University of Guelph, who spoke on the benefits of applying fungicides to corn; OMAFRA Field Crop Plant Pathologist Albert Tenuta, who spoke about the necessity of managing soybeans; and Mike Cowbrough, Weed Specialist with OMAFRA, who spoke on the different ways weeds defend against herbicides.