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Farmer Reflects on First Year as a Director with the Alberta Canola Board

Jeff Frost, a farmer from the Olds area, has just completed his first year as the Region 8 director on the Alberta Canola board. Frost joined the board in January 2024 following the organization’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) and says the experience has been both eye-opening and rewarding.

“This is the first year of my three-year term, and there’s been a lot to learn,” said Frost. “I had a rough idea of what the board did from attending events and being an engaged grower, but being part of it has shown me just how much goes on behind the scenes.”

Frost highlighted the board’s diverse responsibilities, which include government and industry relations, public engagement, and funding research initiatives.

“There are so many aspects to what we do,” he explained. “Whether it’s lobbying government, engaging nationally, or running promotional campaigns, there’s a lot of important work happening that many producers may not realize.”

Research, in particular, is a significant focus for Alberta Canola. Frost said producer dollars are often directed toward projects that improve farming practices, develop new technologies, and address industry challenges.

“It’s tough to see exactly where all the dollars go unless you’re involved, but it’s clear that research is a big part of it. Knowing that your contributions are driving advancements in agriculture is really encouraging,” he said.

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Sclerotinia and Lygus in Seed Canola: Field Update with George Lubberts, CCA | Enchant, Alberta

Video: Sclerotinia and Lygus in Seed Canola: Field Update with George Lubberts, CCA | Enchant, Alberta

Join Certified Crop Advisor George Lubberts for this Prairie Certified Crop Advisor (Prairie CCA) field update from Enchant, Alberta. In this 12th video of the series, George takes us into a seed canola field where the male rows have been removed and the female plants are filling pods. This video was taken in the third week of August 2025.

George discusses the early signs of sclerotinia stem rot, explaining how infection begins in the stem, impacts pod development, and leads to premature ripening. He also shares insights on lygus bug management, including timing of spray applications to minimize feeding damage and maintain seed size and quality.

With cool, damp summer conditions, George notes that while disease pressure is present, overall field health remains good. The crop is just beginning to show early seed colour change, signaling progress toward maturity.

Topics Covered:

•Sclerotinia stem rot identification and impact

•Managing lygus bugs in seed canola

•Crop stage and seed colour change observations

•Timing insecticide sprays for optimal protection

•Insights from a CCA field perspective in southern Alberta