U of S crop researcher launches national survey

SASKATOON - A University of Saskatchewan (U of S) researcher has launched a national survey on farm crop rotation practices to determine sustainability impacts.

The agriculture industry recognizes that current crop production practices are more sustainable, yet this has not been well documented. To help quantify and explain sustainable changes that have already been achieved from recent innovative technologies, Stuart Smyth, a professor from the U of S Department of Bioresources Policy, Business and Economics, is launching a national survey on farm crop rotation practices. Through the collection of this information, Smyth will compare farmers' most recent crop rotations with those of 25 years ago to determine sustainability impacts.

"With the participation of crop producers across Canada, we will identify changes in crop trends, fuel and chemical use, and land management practices," said Smyth. "The collection of this data will quantify how GHG and carbon emissions have changed following the move to zero tillage. Such data is essential in demonstrating to policy makers the efforts farmers have already made in being stewards of the land."

At the Paris Climate Conference in December, Canada made commitments to reduce greenhouse gas and carbon emissions. The agriculture industry, and farmers in particular, may be asked to comply with new policies, which come with a cost.

Before farmers are required to change their practices or incur higher costs, this survey is being launched to measure the effects crop producers have already made. The collection of this data will help federal policy makers understand how Canadian farmers are true stewards of the land and have already changed farming practices by lowering GHG and carbon emissions.

For those who wish to participate, sign-up to join the survey panel at:
http://TINYURL.COM/CROPROTATIONSURVEY2016

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For more information, please contact:
James Shewaga
Media Relations Specialist
University of Saskatchewan
306-966-1851
james.shewaga@usask.ca
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