Like many Canadian farmers, the Englots have been farming their Saskatchewan land for generations, and plan to keep doing so for years to come.
As any grower will tell you, farming has long been a learn-by-doing career. Madison, Norm and Loretta’s daughter, knows this for sure. She’s studying for a degree in agronomy, the science of crop production. “My dad as a resource, and our family farm – that’s way better than a textbook,” she says.
Modern science has transformed farming, and Madison is one of many young Canadians who are diving deeper into scientific learning to keep improving their crops. But how does it work? Let’s find out.
What exactly is agronomy?
Agronomy looks at all the factors that make a farm like the Englots’ tick, from plants, soils, insects, microorganisms and climate – and how they all interact. “Agronomy covers weed identification, disease identification, qualities of soil and how they play their part in what comes up out of the ground,” Madison says.
In their canola field, for instance, Madison can already look at the stages of the crop and identify seed maturity. Plus, she can determine whether there are any diseases, weeds or other pests, and if any pesticide applications are needed.
Quick Fact
Agronomy is the study of crop production, including the management of resources like land and water. Agronomists help farmers beat challenges like insects, weeds and diseases.
Three ways Madison puts agronomy into practice
Scouting for pests: Madison’s eye is already trained to find pests like flea beetles, which popped up in the Englots field this year. These insects aren’t too damaging during later crop stages, but they can completely wipe out a field in the spring, since they eat sprouting plants.
Determining seed maturity: She knows how to identify seeds and crops at the right maturity level for applying herbicides at the right time. If a seed is too green, for example, it will potentially absorb glyphosate and carry it into the seeds.
Looking for diseases: When checking out the fields to see if it’s the right time to harvest, she’s also on the lookout for any potential diseases, such as blackleg and white rust.
How agronomists have helped Canadian farms
Agronomists provide a much-needed link between researchers and farmers. They can go into the fields to consult with farmers, help figure out why parts of a farm are failing and come up with solutions. For example, they can advise farmers on what to grow on their farm, how to manage pests and what type of fertilizer is required to provide a crop with the right nutrients. Agronomists also weigh in on best practices so farmers can get the most out of their crops for years to come.
“Giving advice to my dad is super rewarding for me,” Madison says. “It really shows me that the education that he helped me work towards is actually paying off. It’s really rewarding to know that I can contribute to my dad’s pride and glory with a little bit of knowledge.”