A MESSAGE FROM YOUR AOGC CHAIR
Dylan Robinson operates Peter Melnyk Farms, NW of Waskatenau, AB. The family farm (1400 acres) was established by Robinson’s great grandfather, who emigrated from Ukraine in the 1920s and settled the farm.
After graduating from high school, Dylan began farming alongside his Gido Peter (until his recent passing), and transitioned to managing the operation over the past seven years. He shares, “I farm alongside my wife, and my brother and parents lend a hand when their personal lives and careers allow. Rotations of Hard Red Wheat—Canola—Oats—Yellow Peas do well in our soil types and provide a good balance of marketing diversity/opportunities as well.”
The area has a fairly short growing season, so early-season upright oat varieties with short straw are what Dylan looks for: “I have traditionally grown Morgan, as it works fairly well when seeded in mid- to late-May. The yield and weights have been consistent in our variable, high-organic-matter soil. However, in the past few years I have been trying ORE3542M and find it to be a shorter variety with slightly earlier maturity. Because of results reported in the POGA-supported Alberta Oat Varietal Trial, I’m eager to try new varieties in the future to see the results on my own farm.”
Dylan decided to run for an AOGC board seat to further the promotion of the Alberta and the Canadian Prairies oat industry. He conveys, “We need to continue to get the word out to producers and consumers that oats are a healthy, sustainable addition to the other dominant crop types produced. It has great potential as another alternative for the protein and milk markets. It is an important part of crop rotations to increase soil health, and also a valuable, affordable dietary staple that promotes human health.”
Referring to his experience when he first became an AOGC/POGA board member: “I found myself very excited to be part of these boards as we tackled all the issues producers face. It’s important to be part of the collective voice for Alberta and prairie farmers, and to continue building the network to represent their concerns and interests.”
Dylan’s representation on the POGA board is an extension of his involvement with other ag-related organizations. He was heavily involved in student-run organizations during his education (Crop Science—University of Alberta) and President of the Agriculture Club. He is also involved in FarmHouse International Fraternity (as a student and alumni).
In his personal life, Dylan also displays a penchant to keep active and engaged. He shares, “I have a passion for all things ‘outdoors’ (especially hunting and fishing) and am an avid curler and recreational hockey player. I enjoy the mechanical aspect of farming and the challenges it can present. I have an avid interest in agronomy and utilize this, within our budgets, to improve our farm management. Off farm I am also a co-owner of Paired Row AG Services providing mobile equipment repairs during the off-season to supplement farm income.”
Regarding his acceptance of the AOGC Chair position, Robinson shares: “Becoming a board member of AOGC and POGA has confirmed for me the positive impact check off dollars have on farmers. We make a worthy investment every time we sell our products! Funded research and advocacy dollars are directed into projects such as market access and diversified products, and the development of more efficient and adaptable varieties. Through this funding, farmers are able to influence the focus of our industry. This in turn makes oats—an already excellent crop choice—an even more attractive option within Western Canadian crop rotations.
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