2023 Field Plots: A stunning triumph

With over 320 participants, the field plots were a tremendous success.

This article will highlight the exceptional success of the field plots, while also presenting the renowned conferences that enriched our events.

Our hosts’ welcome

We would like to express our gratitude to our exceptional hosts who made this year’s field plots possible. Your hospitality, commitment and dedication were essential in creating a warm and welcoming environment for all participants, speakers and visitors.

Your passion for agriculture and the Cooperative has been an inspiration to us all, and we thank you warmly for your invaluable contribution to the success of our events. Thank you to Ferme Widmer et Filles (Saint-Chrysostome, Qc), Ferme Delurenic (St Isidore, Ont.), Chrissa Enterprises (North Lancaster, Ont.) and Ferme M. Landry (St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Qc). Your support is an integral part of the success of the 2023 edition.

Informative conferences

Education was also at the heart of our 2023 events, with expert speakers sharing their knowledge. On September 5 and 15, we were honored to welcome Stéphanie Mathieu from the Ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation du Québec (MAPAQ). Her lectures enlightened our participants on the issue of soil resistance to glyphosate.

Pascal & Stéphane Larose from Maizex also captivated participants by discussing corn and soybean hybrids at each of our plot days. Their knowledge enabled farmers to see the best-performing varieties and provide tools to optimize their crops.

Presentations by Christine Brown and Sebastian Belliard of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) on September 8 provided essential information on residue and mineral management. In addition, tips on sustainable farming practices and the latest advances in the field were presented.

Finally, on September 12, Ben Rosser offered an inspiring presentation on nitrogen management in corn and best farm management practices, leaving participants with new ideas for improving their own land.

Participants from each of the plots enjoyed a variety of meals served by the famous street food truck Les grillades à Poudrette. They were also able to refresh themselves with beers brewed by the Barabas brewery, located in Sainte-Barbe, on the Cooperative’s territory.

2023 will be remembered as an exceptional year for our plots. With over 320 enthusiastic participants, these events brought together dedicated farmers, expert speakers and our partners. We look forward to the next edition, which promises to be even richer in successes and discoveries.

We would like to thank all the participants, experts and visitors who contributed to the success of our plots in 2023. We would also like to thank Desjardins Entreprises, FCC, Corteva, Syngenta and BASF for their support in making the plots a reality. Together, we continue to cultivate a passionate and sustainable community, while contributing to the vitality of our region.