Leading Edge Research Showcased at Ag Field Day in Vegreville

Leading Edge Research Showcased at Ag Field Day in Vegreville

Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

Expert Researcher Jan Slaski and his team in the Bio Industrial Services Division of InnoTech Alberta recently showcased some of their leading-edge research during the 2022 Ag Field Day in Vegreville.

Approximately 75 people attended the tour which consisted of the crop walk, networking session and tour of InnoTech Alberta which included the fibre processing plant, agglomeration/fertilizer pilot facility and controlled environment facilities.

Slaski led the group through a tour of the national hemp variety trails and Ralph Lange informed participants about the canola rotation trials.

Senior Technologist Rob Werezuk talked about ag products efficacy and tolerance testing. “Alberta InnoTech is known for long running programs, 30 plus years, testing herbicides and pesticides and fungicides on a commercial scale before agri-chemical companies launch them,” stated Slaski.

Jan Slaski holding hemp plant with Bryon James holding the microphone during the tour.

(InnoTech Alberta/ Submitted Photo)

Susie Li talked about real time sclerotinia sensing. “Soon we will be launching a sensor that will be used to detect sclerotinia, a major canola disease,” stated Slaski.

Using nano technology, Slaski said farmers will be informed if levels are high enough that spraying is required. “Now they, (farmers) just spray as a preventative measure wasting time and money polluting the environment by spraying canola when it’s not necessary. This real time disease sensing for major canola disease is one of our flagships. One of these is close to commercialization right now.”

Slaski said there is a team of researchers testing sensors at six locations, including Vegreville and other communities within a 100-kilometre radius. “A box was installed on post next to canolafield and counting spores and disease pressure. And when it exceeded predetermined thresholds the system sends a message to the farmer’s cell phone and to apply fungicide. It’s a really cool project.”

Slaski said they Invited collaborators from IncaRenewtech, which is the anchor tenant in Prosperity Park. “So, they were speaking about project and why they’re locating here and the benefit to Vegreville. It was really important to have them speaking to our growers.

Rod Werezuk addresses the crowd.

(InnoTech Alberta/ Submitted Photo)

Also on hand during the tour was Wilson Johnston from Blue Sky Hemp Ventures. Slaski said company officials are thinking about setting up a grain processing facility in Vegreville and close to making a decision.

Slaski said having company representatives at the tour gives participants a wider perspective of development in Vegreville and surrounding areas. He added that, “It is important to underline not just presenting our research, but presenting research in the context of commercialization and assisting different industries.”

Thermal chemical processing was also highlighted, and Slaski said InnoTech Alberta is working with agrichemical companies formulating fertilizers. Other types of ag product development and its benefits were discussed by Rod Werezuk and Nufarm, a crop protection company, which is ranked eighth largest in the world.

“We always appreciate the interest and support of Mayor and members of town council. Attendees and investors can see they operate hand in hand with the town. This relationship is mutually beneficial and model for other communities. It’s a great model to be implemented.

We’re hearing consistently that companies are coming here to Vegreville because of Prosperity Park and InnoTech to engage growers. It’s a win, win, win situation. The perfect trio.”