The fifth annual Oil Capitals Crop Tour, which took place earlier this month, was a success.
Craig Davidson, a member of the board of directors for the Oil Caps, says there was a total of 22 different soybean varieties from eight seed genetic companies that took part in the event, which was held Aug. 3.
There was also variable rate fertility, in-crop fertility, herbicide and fungicide trials, a look into planter versus drill seeding, as well as different inoculant sources – all of which were included in the Oil Caps Field.
New for 2017, the Crop Club ended up expanding, adding a new 60-acre field partnership; which included Louis Dreyfus, Redfern Farm Services, Decisive Farming, BrettYoung, Pride, and Secan at the Louis Dreyfus field near Hargrave, Man.
“It’s another great way to expand coverage and showcase our Crop Club partners,” Davidson said.
Jamie Hodson, Director of Business and Hockey Operations for the Oil Capitals, agreed with Davidson’s sentiment, adding that partners are integral to the club’s on and off-ice success.
“With agriculture being a foundation to this community and southwest Manitoba, the Crop Club has done an admirable job in showcasing all our Crop Club partners,” Hodson said.
With close to 60 people in attendance, Davidson says it was one of the bigger tours with great agronomics and insights provided by our Crop Club partners.
“We have many long-standing agricultural partners that have been a part of the Crop Club since its inception and we strive to continue to offer value through showcasing their genetics and technologies in-field as well as through the winter months at Tundra Oil and Gas Place.”
The goal of the Oil Capitals Crop Club is simple: to be an all-encompassing educational piece where agricultural companies can showcase their latest genetics, technologies and agricultural practices to help area growers, agronomists, consultants and retailers advance their businesses through a non-biased learning approach.
“Each year, we to look for ways to continue to create additional value for our Ag partners as well as producers from southwestern Manitoba and southeastern Saskatchewan,” Davidson said. “We have invested in some leading edge practices and showcased the next generation of varieties over the years that have gone on to become common place in the area.
Every year, new ideas are brought to the table that will benefit area growers in the future.
“Our Ag partners and the Crop Club have been a very important part of the Oil Capitals hockey team over the seasons and will continue to be a key piece moving forward with agriculture being a stable for many families and businesses in the area,” Davidson added.
Plans are in place for a morning tail gate tour in September as the soybeans mature to see the differences in varieties and to have a clearer view of the potential as the crop reaches maturity.
A tentative tour date is Sept. 12 pending weather and harvest.