Better Farming Prairie | February 2024

9 The Business of Prairie Agriculture Better Farming | February 2024 regulations for the sector. “While these results are remarkable, there is always room for growth and to scale sustainable farming practices even further. However, it’s important to understand that one size does not fit all, and regenerative farming practices must always be suited to regions,” said Webb. “Our regulatory landscape should also recognize differences at the regional level. We hope that the insights from this study, which are a win for Canada, will inform science- based decisions at the national and international level for Canadian ag and the producers involved.” BF Lakeland alumnus Bill Robinson of Vermilion, Alta. has donated $1 million to Lakeland College. Half of his gift will be used to create an endowment that will fund bursaries for first-year students enrolled full-time and attending in-person studies at the Vermilion campus. The other half will be used to support beef cattle initiatives, such as campus farm improvements and applied research projects. A graduate of the 2-in-1 Agriculture program in 1958, Robinson returned to the Alberta institution 30 years later to take electrical training. His father Lyle also attended the college, graduating in 1927. His mother Annabel was the Dean of Women for three years. “The college has been a big part of our family for years,” says Robinson. “I hope that this gift will help the college continue to grow, while also providing financial support to the students who need it most.” Dr. Alice Wainwright-Stewart, president and CEO of Lakeland College, thanked Robinson for his generous gift and ongoing support. He has been a monthly donor to the college for years and has supported many past campaigns. Robinson regularly attends alumni events and serves as a Class Champion for the Class of 1958. “Bill’s generosity will help us continue to modernize our campus farm, which is used by our more than 650 agricultural sciences students as well as applied research staff,” says Wainwright-Stewart. “In addition, the Bill Robinson Bursary will help remove financial barriers for many students, creating greater access to a Lakeland College education,” she says. “Bill’s got a big heart and he cares deeply about our college, our current and future students, and our community. We are so appreciative of his amazing support.” In recognition of Robinson’s generous gift, a 150-seat classroom in the WHT Mead Building at the Vermilion campus has been named the Lyle and Annabel Robinson Lecture Theatre, a tribute to his parents. BF Research Kochia is an annual broadleaf weed that reproduces by seed, producing from 15,000 to 25,000 seeds per plant. Also known as summer cypress, burning bush and goosefoot, kochia is difficult to control due to its ability to thrive in heat, drought and salinity. What to look for • The first leaves, which form a basal rosette, are elongated and club shaped, covered in soft, dense hairs. • Without proper weed control, the compact seedling will mature into a branchy bush, up to two metres in height. • The colour of the stem, and sometimes the entire plant, changes from green to crimson. Count the cost • Densities of 21 plants per m2 have caused yield losses in wheat of approximately 33%, while extreme infestations of 195 plants per m2 have reduced wheat yields by 73%. • Resistant to Group 2, 4, 9 and 14 herbicides. When to scout • Kochia emerges as early as March or April, weeks before the soil is warm enough to seed into. How to control • Spray early to take advantage of early emergency to control flushes before crop emergence. • Prevent plants from setting seed with a fall burnoff. • Use a registered pre-emergent option for crops such as flax or Clearfield canola. KOCHIA Sources: https://manageresistancenow.ca/weeds/managing-herbicide-resistant-kochia/ https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/crops/weeds/glyphosate-resistant-kochia.html Always read and follow label instructions. Member of CropLife Canada. FMC and the FMC logo are trademarks of FMC Corporation or an affiliate. ©2024 FMC Corporation. All rights reserved. 8190 - 01/24 8190 Weed of the Month Series_Kochia.indd 1 2024-01-09 3:31 PM 2024-01-09 3:31 PM LAKELAND AG PROGRAM ALUMNUS DONATES $1 MILLION TO HELP COLLEGE GROW

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