So far, the summer of 2021 has not been what we had all hoped for. The dry and hot conditions here have been relentless. Unfortunately, rain is the only thing that can help save what is left of this year’s crops. The wildfires in northern Saskatchewan have sent smoke across the prairies and helped block some sun for a few days. The smoke presents its own set of challenges, and it is important that we all remember it’s not a “normal” flying condition. The smoke can roll in and out just like fog. It can catch you off guard at anytime and can hide in coming weather, as well as obstacles.
The CAAA has been working hard on the water volume issue brought forward from the PMRA. We have had meetings with the three major chemical companies-Bayer, BASF, and Syngenta. They are all in agreeance that the water rates need to be changed. Each company has had some different ideas about how to go about this problem and making the changes needed. It will not happen over night, as it is with everything government related, but this is a top issue we are working on.
Bayer has stepped up greatly in this matter. They were able to get special authority to run water volume trials in field. There have been Prosaro and Proline trials happening across the provinces. Trials were done at 5, 3, and 2 Gal/ac. The results will continue to be monitored throughout the summer and weight and quality trials done at harvest time. With disease pressure being very low this year results may not be as dramatic as other years, but we are hopeful to see results.
Our Carbon Tax project has hit a bit of a wall recently. We were invited to a meeting with the Honorable Candice Bergen, but unfortunately, they cancelled last minute. We have the full support of all the prairie provinces, but with the Federal Government heading it we have been unable to gain much of an audience with them. We will continue to send emails and letters to state our case. Hopefully, the squeaky wheel will get the grease eventually.
On a positive note, the Budworm contracts in Quebec and Ontario were a go for this year after being cancelled due to COVID last year. It was again a successful year for the programs. Hats off to everyone who participated in the program. It is amazing the coordination and hard work it takes to get these projects accomplished.
The year is not over yet! I hope everyone stays diligent for each load they do. Preharvest season will be here sooner than usual with our hot, dry weather.
Fly safe everyone!
Chad Vanderbyl
President, CAAA