Same content offered twice – June 24th is at a farm near Deadwood. Join us for a field event focusing on weed seedling identification, a critical skill for early-season weed management. This hands-on event will guide participants through the recognition of key weed species at the seedling stage, when control is most effective. Accurate identification helps producers and agronomists make informed weed management decisions, reducing crop competition and long-term weed pressure.
Presenter: Dr. Chris Neeser
Dr. Chris Neeser, a research scientist with Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, specializes in weed management and pest surveillance. His work focuses on monitoring changes in weed populations, detecting invasive species, and developing effective, sustainable weed management strategies. Dr. Neeser’s research emphasizes collaboration and innovation, including the use of drone technology for field scouting, all aimed at helping Alberta producers manage weeds efficiently while minimizing environmental impact.
Presenter: Natalie LaForest
Natalie, a PhD candidate at the University of Alberta, researches carabid (ground beetle) abundance, biodiversity, and their role in weed seed control through seed bank regulation, emphasizing the importance of vegetated field margins and diverse crop rotations. She has presented at agriculture conferences across Canada. Originally from Drayton Valley, Natalie holds an Ecology diploma from Lakeland College and a Bachelor of Agriculture Science from the University of Saskatchewan. With hands-on experience as a weed inspector with her local county and with a vegetation management company serving the oil and gas, forestry, and agriculture sectors, Natalie currently serves as Organic Alberta’s Weed Specialist.
Open Discussion
Following the weed identification event, participants are invited to join an informal open discussion. This is a valuable opportunity to connect with fellow producers, share local observations, and exchange practical strategies for managing early-season weeds.
Additional Information
This event is free to attend, and lunch (BBQ) will be included. Specific details such as location will be shared by email upon registration for the event. The event will be near Deadwood, AB. If you can’t register online, call us at (780) 932-2534.