This just in! The Inoculant Forum has been approved for CCA credits. In total we have been approved for 12 CCA credits under the Nutrient Management category. The breakdown is 2.5 credits for the morning session on the 17th and 3.5 for the afternoon session that day; and 3.5 for the morning session on the 18th and 2.5 for the afternoon session. So if you need credits, this could be a great opportunity to get some!

Our Purpose: To advance the research, development, commercialization, and adoption of scientifically sound inoculants as high-value fertility tools in order to assist farmers to gain crop efficiency and environmental advantage.

Two years ago the inaugural Inoculant Forum was held in Saskatoon with the purpose to assist farmers to gain crop efficiency and environmental advantage by advancing the research, development, commercialization, and adoption of scientifically sound inoculants as high-value fertility tools. Based on the positive response of those attending, the second Inoculant Forum with the same purpose is planned for March 17 and 18, 2005.

As shown in the draft Program, the Program Committee has arranged an exciting range of international speakers, including speakers from all North American inoculant companies. The intended audience is academic, institutional, government and industrial agronomists, researchers, extension specialists, and fertility marketers. The content will also be of interest to those with an interest in agricultural policy and economics. While the program has scientific content, the major thrust is to advance the practical rather than theoretical aspects of inoculant technology. Ample time is available throughout the two days for formal and informal dialogue.

The Inoculant Forum 2005 will be a high-caliber assembly of like-minded people who can stimulate and bring creative ideas to advance inoculants as a powerful input choice for today’s farmers.

The Inoculant Forum Program Committee:

Mary Leggett (Chair)
Research Team Leader / Senior Scientist
Philom Bios – Saskatoon, SK

Ken Lopetinsky
Pulse Research Agronomist
AFRD - Crop Diversification North – Barrhead, AB

Chantal Hamal
Research Scientist, Land Resources and Environment
The Semiarid Prairie Agricultural Research Centre - AAFC Swift Current, SK

Kevin Vessey
Dean, Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research  
Saint Mary’s University – Halifax, NS

Garry Hnatowich
Research Team Leader / Agronomist
Philom Bios – Saskatoon, SK

Erin Burton
Agronomist
Philom Bios – Saskatoon, SK

Stewart Smith
Director of Microbial Research & Development
Nitragin – Milwaukee, WI