Farming Smarter invites you to join the conversation to drive agriculture forward at the Farming Smarter Conference & Trade Show on February 11!
Farmers across southern Alberta formed closer ties with each other and Farming Smarter at a series of events designed to spark conversation, share experiences, and strengthen community ties.
Farming Smarter’s Agronomy Battles held in Taber, Bow Island, and Enchant focused on cover crops, strip tillage, and herbicide resistance, but the real success was the collaboration.
“These events gave farmers an opportunity to be heard and us an opportunity to listen to current challenges and get ideas for different research opportunities,” says Jamie Puchinger, Assistant Manager at Farming Smarter.
With the goal to create industry-backed research proposals. the sessions brought together farmers, agronomists, researchers, and industry professionals in open, collaborative discussions. Attendees ranged from experts to beginners, creating a welcoming environment where everyone had a voice.
Those who attended eagerly shared insights and prepared to lend their expertise to the conversation.
By the time the room emptied, entire new relationships had taken root. Along with actionable ideas for research, these conversations revealed an opportunity for Farming Smarter to connect the expertise in its community.
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| Farmers discuss strip till challenges they face at an Agronomy Battles event hosted in Taber, December 2025. |
Few left the venue alone, as many walked out in groups to continue parking lot conversations.
A farmer shared with his table that he was uncertain how to best introduce a new crop into his rotation. Across the table, another farmer offered guidance from his experience, which lead the two to exchange phone numbers.
“Our Agronomy Battles highlighted the power of community-driven learning and the value of connecting local expertise,” Puchinger comments. “We saw how impactful it can be for experienced farmers to connect with newer farmers in the community to provide a supportive mentor role.”
“We hope to help build on that in our community this year,” Puchinger states.
Insights from Agronomy Battles will guide future research priorities and Farming Smarter plans to continue the series in 2026. Upcoming topics may include nutrient management and specialty crops, alongside expanded work in potato agronomy.
To be part of the conversation that shapes southern Alberta agriculture, watch farmingsmarter.com for fresh information, to attend events, and become part of the network of farmers, agronomists, and industry leaders working together to solve real challenges and spark innovation.
Subscribe today and help turn ideas into action for the future of farming.
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| After opening the room to discussion at the Agronomy Battles, attendees went table to table placing stickers next to the ideas they thought were strong priorities for future research in southern Alberta. |
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