RDAR on the Road (ROTR) convenes those involved in agriculture and economic development to discuss how to best grow one of Alberta’s most important sectors. Attendees will hear about funding opportunities from RDAR while learning about the breadth of opportunities the agriculture sector offers to Alberta. ROTR fosters collaboration among researchers, farmers, and industry. Local producers Andy Kirschenman and Rob Dunn will be offering their expertise in soil management and climate resilience.
Chinook Applied Research Association (CARA) and Farming Smarter will share results from their extensive research on soils, biodiversity, improving nitrogen management and rotational grazing practices, which can have a direct positive impact on-farm, and along the value chain.
RDAR interviewed Morgan Blair, Dean of Medicine Hat College’s School of Business and Continuing Studies and Dean of the School of Trades and Technology. Medicine Hat College is co-hosting the ROTR on November 21st at the Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede.
RDAR: How did RDAR on the Road come to be?
Morgan Blair: “This event came to be through strong relationships. Relationships are the currency that make southeast Alberta run. Keeping conversations active, listening to produces to find out what their needs are, and being willing to collaborate is what makes great things happen here!”
RDAR: Why is ROTR important for Medicine Hat College?
Morgan Blair: RDAR is a connector, and agriculture is so important to our region. Educating, training, and advancing knowledge in the industries that are essential to our region is what we do. So, we have a very strong role in this regard. The College has recently made some strides into ag-related programming, and applied research, including the award of $750,000 - our largest ever research grant - from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), the agency responsible for funding natural sciences and engineering research in Canada, for applied research. Within the next few months, the College will launch an applied soil research program. ROTR is one of the key ways we can gain insight from producers and understand what our College needs to do to best tailor approaches to meet regional needs.
RDAR: Why should producers and businesses attend the event?
Morgan Blair: ROTR provides producers an opportunity to present ideas for future investment in business and agriculture. We have some unique conditions in the southeast Alberta., This event will help us identify opportunities in soil research and address producer concerns.
RDAR: What are you most looking forward to at ROTR?
Morgan Blair: I’m most interested in making connections! Talking to producers to hear what is most important to them. I want to understand the world through their eyes so that the College can best tailor our approach to best need their needs.
For more information on the RDAR on the Road tour, visit www.rdar.ca