First in Line to Promote, Support & Boost Agriculture in Alberta's Far North

Mackenzie Applied Research Association | Fort Vermilion, AB

Agriculture might not be the first thing that comes to mind for most Canadians when they think of Alberta’s Far North, but some of the oldest history of agriculture in Western Canada began in Northern Alberta.

“Alexander Mackenzie first noted the vegetable crops growing here in 1792. There were cereal crops also documented growing in the area, enough crops to suggest a flour mill be built in 1798,” said Nicole Driedger, Office and Extension Manager at Mackenzie Applied Research Association (MARA).

The team at MARA is passionate about growing the agriculture sector. They help producers utilize the science and expertise available with their programs and research facilities.

“Although MARA only became officially incorporated as a non-profit in 2006, the Experimental Farm was established here in 1936, and they continue to grow crops for research with different organizational structures to this day,” said Driedger.

In the early 1900s, the logistics of moving local goods to larger markets was the biggest hurdle to overcome. By the 1950s, newer and better roads were built, and the Mackenzie Region quickly became an agricultural hot bed with research-based principles leading the way.

These days, MARA conducts agricultural research for producers and community members in Mackenzie County as well as in Western Canada. This includes conventional and organic crop research as well as forage and feed research for cattle and equine producers.

MARA team members also work with local residents to help with soil management for their gardens.

“We help analyze soil and feed tests free of charge. We host cattle, organic and crop conferences annually where we cover trial results as well as other topics including irrigation,” said Driedger. “We connect farmers with programs and funding, and when they have questions, we try our best to find answers for them.”

The team at MARA consists of five full time employees, several summer students and nine board members. Everyone on the team is passionate about agriculture and seeing their region’s producers thrive.

The full-time team members are CEO Jacques Human, Research Manager Daniel Menge, Research Scientist Sam Moumoudi, Farm Technician John Dyck and, as mentioned, Driedger is the office and extensions manager.

“My role involves managing the finances and budgets. It also includes event planning, advertising, marketing, website management and helping producers with government funding and environmental farm plans,” said Driedger.

Driedger also keeps busy with school visits, field tours and trips to Calgary and Edmonton where she promotes the special interests of the northern region at agriculture events. She even brings farmers meals in the field during their busiest seasons.

“I appreciate seeing a healthy canola crop in full bloom. Once you get to know the nuances of the community and the farmers, seeing a thriving farm in July brings a different level of appreciation,” said Driedger.

Connecting producers and industry is a big part of MARA’s role. At their trade shows, they host a variety of local businesses. They connect them to producers and put producers in touch with people they can partner with.

They also work with farmers who let them use their land for field scale trials.

Field scale trials are a big part of the research at MARA. Some of the plot research involves learning about management practices to benefit soil health. There are variety trials for wheat, triticale, barley, oats, peas, lupin, flax and forages.

They also work on herbicide, fungicide and biostimulant trials.

“The trials are created with the intention of benefiting producers. The trial results are discussed at conferences and field tours and in annual reports and newsletters,” said Driedger.

At MARA, they recognize the unique climate, soil and seasonality of Northern Alberta. They aim to provide producers with the best extension service based on sound, verified science that has been applied to this region.

With a dedicated team, producers can trust MARA to uphold their long-term interests.

“My favourite part of living in Fort Vermilion is the welcoming nature of the community—and the views,” said Driedger.

For more information about MARA and information on their projects, producer resources, funding and upcoming events, visit www.mackenzieresearch.ca

By Kelly Pippin | That Girl Pearl Photography