Residents Explore Chickpea Research at Yorkton Field Day

A recent field day organized by Suncrest College and the East Central Research Foundation drew local residents eager to learn about agricultural innovations. Held under the intense July sun near Yorkton, Saskatchewan, the event provided attendees with a close-up look at a test plot of chickpeas, a crop not traditionally grown in the region.

Participants arrived in trailers, enthusiastic about discovering the potential for chickpeas to thrive in local conditions. Mike Hall, the research coordinator for the project, greeted the group and encouraged questions about the chickpeas, which stood at shin height. The audience’s curiosity spanned various topics, including seeding techniques, fertilizer applications, optimal temperatures, and potential diseases affecting the plants.

As Hall explained, the research conducted at the site is diverse. “We’ve got chickpeas, we’ve got intercropping with flax, we’ve got flax trials, pea trials. We’re trying soybeans again,” he stated. Hall emphasized that much of the research occurs on a small scale, noting, “So, we farm in miniature, basically.” This hands-on approach allows researchers to gather valuable insights from their experiments.

After exploring the chickpeas, the group moved on to bean and canola patches. Throughout the tour, Hall introduced experts from various agricultural sectors. One notable speaker from Agratactics Agronomy engaged attendees by asking about their soil testing practices before discussing the benefits of using variable rate technology. This method considers varying field conditions when distributing seeds and fertilizers, optimizing crop growth.

Attendee Patricia Desjarlais expressed enthusiasm for the information shared, particularly regarding variable rates. She found the concept intriguing, especially in relation to the chickpeas. “I just started eating chickpeas, and yeah, it’s kind of interesting,” she remarked with a smile.

Despite the excitement surrounding chickpeas, challenges remain for their cultivation in east central Saskatchewan. Glenn Blakely, a founding chairman of the research field board from the 1990s, highlighted the importance of understanding crop viability. “Sometimes the best learning experience is the one that fails for farmers because they don’t need to be talked into doing something that won’t work in their area,” he noted. Blakely added that negative outcomes in research can provide crucial information for future farming decisions.

With a wealth of agricultural research emerging from the Yorkton area, Blakely expressed his ongoing interest. “I’m very glad to come every year. I don’t farm anymore. But I like to keep the interest in the research firm,” he said.

The field day on Thursday was just one of many such events taking place across the province, with plans for future sessions to continue fostering community engagement in agricultural research. As local residents learn about innovative practices and crops, they contribute to the evolving landscape of farming in Saskatchewan.