By Dori Modney

‘Living Labs’ application needs producer input November 19

Nov 18, 2021 | 10:15 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB. — Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) is working closely with Alberta Barley, Alberta Wheat Commission, and several other industry organizations to identify and test innovative management practices or technologies on-farm.

Karen Schmid, ABP`s lead for Beef Production and Extension, says it`s being done by way of `Living Labs`. Schmid emphasizes producer input is needed to improve management practices that meet producers’ needs:

“Alberta Beet Producers, Alberta Barley and the Alberta Wheat Commission, along with several other agricultural stakeholders are intending to submit a phase-2 proposal application to the Agriculture climate solutions Living Labs initiative. The Living labs really bring together multiple stakeholders like producers, scientists and others, to co-develope tests and monitor management practices and technologies in a real life context.”

Schmid emphasizes that these are not research projects.

“They`re innovation or adoption products supported by research and they`re driven by producer needs, broad and diverse partnerships, testing management practices, technologies and innovations under real agricultural conditions on the farm.”

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The goal of the entire program is to have at least one Living Lab in every province. Schmid explains the purpose of the Living Labs initiative:

“What the living lab is really about, is focussing on what producers can adopt on farms to make them more successful, in terms of productivity and profitability, but also while improving carbon sequestration and soil quality in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”

“So, we really want to hear from producers to help us shape our phase-two proposal application. I think we really need producer input and ideas to make our application, and ultimately the entire Living Labs program, as successful and as practical as it can be for producers.”

To get producers involved, ABP is holding a “Living Labs“ producer input session on November 19, from 10-am until noon. It will be conducted via ZOOM and they want to hear from producers about their ideas.

To register for the event, visit the events page of ABPDaily.com and register for the input session.

The labs have already identified significant opportunities for the beef, forage and cropping sectors to work together to improve management practices and take advantage of new technologies that are economical and practical, while achieving environmental co-benefits.