Where would you like to see R&D expanded

[charliep]

Barley is still a priority feed crop in addition to the malt side. My
reference was more to imported corn and potential to bring in
fusarium this way as well as increase use as forage in things like
swath grazing. Getting out of my knowledge area but my
memory is that fusarium can have life cycle stages in corn stocks
(corn can be a carrier). Swath grazing with the amount of residual
left over (stomped in the ground if you like) does present risk
given its even distribution over a field.

A concern is the spread of the disease across the prairies. It has
arrived in southern Alberta. Just don't want it to move into the
black soil zones along highway 2.

[charliep]

Cattleman

Also on my wish list would be investing in breeding programs that would
develop a high yielding and high energy feed grain potentially with low
protein for livestock feed and potentially ethanol. My suspicion is the protein
side will remain relatively cheap.

The next step would be to look at all the livestock classes specific nutritional
needs and tailor feedgrains to meet these needs. We might also look at
dealing with environmental issues like phytates and nitrates in manure.

More of my dreaming.

[TOM4CWB]

Charlie,

We need low heat unit soybeans. I am sure it could be done if some $$$ were there to pay for it.

Winter wheat with CWRS quality so it can all go into one class.

Then Hard white winter wheat for us. The USA already produces millions for Tonnes of hard white winter... again the CWB has recked this opportunity.

A soft white triticale for the feed/ethanol market that yeilds 20% more than wheat with less water consumption.

Just a start, I like the other ideas too!

[rbrunel]

how low of heat unit soybeans do you want Tom.... we grow beans that have some daylight sensitivity....

[furrowtickler]

Lots of $$ are being spent on corn and soy for western canada, it is just not public money.

[tipsy]

Me... I'd like to see r&d work on a round up ready variety of oats. Of coarse,this only be for those of us that would like to grow em.