LMT May 14 2018

8 Monday, May 14, 2018 • Last Mountain Times
Better varieties
When it comes to plant breeding having public
investment has always been something this writer
has felt is important. It is nice to know that those
involved in the science feel the same way, as was
pointed out in a recent article sent out by the American
Society of Agronomy.
The Society, in combination with the Soil Science
Society of America, and the Crop Science Society of
America, collectively represent more than 12,000
individual members around the world. The scientists’
memberships build collaborating partnerships
in the agronomy, crops, and soils science fields for
the advancement of knowledge.
In the article the group advocates for support of
public plant breeding programs. But public money
is tighter across most areas of research, so making
sure governments, and other sources of public dollars
such as universities, recognize the importance
of plant breeding remains important.
From the perspective of the farmer there is obviously
good understanding of the importance of creating
new grain and oilseed varieties in relation to
increasing productivity. There is a finite amount of
land capable of growing food crops worldwide, but
the world population relying on that land for food,
continues to grow. Since new land is not an option
in most cases, in fact thanks to desertification,
increasing urbanization and other factors there is a
likelihood of a shrinking land base.
So the only option moving forward is to increase
production, and a big part of that comes through
AG NOTES
CALVIN DANIELS
better varieties. Certainly most
varieties grown today have the
genetic potential to produce
more bushels per acre than
those grown only a decade or
two ago. Plant breeders also
offer the potential for better
production in more than just
greater bushels per acre. Genetics
offer the potential to expand crop production
into higher saline areas, to better utilize fertilizer
and to be more resistant to insects and disease
which have traditionally lowered production.
Since we are talking about feeding people, public
investment in crop breeding is one which helps
secure our food for the future. There is also a side
to public funding which helps ensure access to new
varieties to all farmers. Certainly when companies
breed new varieties they want to put it out to
producers, but at a cost. In North America that
cost may not be seen as a barrier, but in developing
countries the cost of seed for subsistence farmers
can be an issue, and that should be considered as
plant breeding and food security are global issues.
Public coffers are not the only source of funding,
but they should always remain part of the mix as
they are an investment for our grandchildren and
beyond.
- Calvin Daniels
Disclaimer: opinions expressed are those of the writer.
EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY
May 10, 2018
A FIRE BAN IS IN EFFECT
In the
TOWN OF GOVAN
RM of LAST MOUNTAIN VALLEY No. 250
THIS BAN WILL BE IN EFFECT UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
THIS INCLUDES: FIRE PITS, FIREWORKS, YARD AND FIELD WASTE,
RECREATIONAL FIRES, UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
Propane barbeques and propane fire pits
are permitted when used with caution.
Regina Beach is the place to be!
If you haven’t had an opportunity to get out to
Regina Beach you are surely missing out! Thanks
to the Regina Beach Fire Department, The Last
Mountain Lake Cultural Center, St. Jerome’s Catholic
Church and the Regina Beach United Church,
we just experienced one of the most entertaining
events to kick off the spring season. The Medieval
Feast was a fun-filled evening as our fair town
dressed as Lords and Ladies, Jokers and Wizards
and enjoyed entertaining jousters, fire dancers,
jugglers and a magician while eating a meal fit for
a king, with only our hands! It was so much fun
which is so representative of our fun loving community.
And as things warm up, so to do the many
activities planned for our town.
If you are into a great desert and fashion, perhaps
you would like to take in the Leisure Time Club
Strawberry Social and Fashion Show in early June
featuring the always fun clothing line of Rudy’s at
the beach. If you are a golfer, or just want a fine
meal, the Regina Beach Golf Course has undergone
a fabulous renovation and is now open for your enjoyment.
The Regina Beach Yacht Club, under new
management, is looking forward to their opening
in mid-May. For a local hometown feel, you might
want to stop in at Has Beans Café on Center for a
great meal and a cold drink on a hot day, or perhaps
cross the street to Sara’s on Center and check out
their great menu and convenience products. The
Waterfront Beach Bar and Grill’s deck awaits you
to celebrate a great beach day. We all know the Blue
Bird Café continues to serve up their famous fish
and chips, and Sundae Times is the place to go for
a much needed ice cream fix! Papu’s will give you
the greatest is Greek cuisine or try Chacalacus for a
Mexican treat. Oh, and don’t miss our annual July
1st parade and August 4th Community Country
Fair. All of this and more in the town of Regina
Beach.
Did I mention the walking paths, the park chock
full of barbecues and the sandy beach just waiting
for your enjoyment? Best of all, our supportive community
is the greatest place to live. Great weather,
so much to get involved in, and best of all, great
friends and neighbors. Come for a visit, or make Regina
Beach your home, you won’t regret it!
-Info and photos submitted by Sandi Metz, Regina Beach
Lord and Lady are.....Bryan Gatschene and Marilyn
Gatschene.
(Editor’s note: normally we would send the Town
of Regina Beach an invoice for this glowing town
PROMO …but Sandi charmed us into running it as
an ‘invitation to enjoy’ Regina Beach!)
Vikings are.....Shelly-Anne Mckay-Hays and Barry
Mckay.