The Growing Point

Our goal with this newsletter is simple; to provide Alberta farmers and agronomists with timely, relevant and valuable agronomic knowledge sourced from science-based research and projects funded by Alberta Grains. You will also find a few opinion articles addressing management perspectives and other agronomic pointers to help you make informed agronomic decisions.

This monthly newsletter will include written articles, audio interviews and videos. Additionally, impromptu information may be released to address timely agronomic problems in Alberta. We hope the agronomic information from these newsletters brings value to your farm. 

To learn more about The Growing Point and our agronomy program e-mail our Agronomy and Extension Specialist

Email Ruoxi Xia
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February 2026

After a month of wild temperature swings and mid-winter melts, seasonal norms have finally returned. While we wait for a few more snowfalls to build up moisture before spring, this issue of The Growing Point will address some of your top agronomy considerations.  

In this newsletter, you will see the most on-point discussions during Agronomy Update 2026. We will share tools to help you accurately estimate the crop nutrient removal and plan for the season ahead. We’ve also included a guide on getting our acres counted for 4R compliance, a move that optimizes your fertilizer inputs while opening doors to future funding and recognition. 

Lastly, if you are interested in testing out practices/products on your farm, Alberta Grains and Olds College are jointly hosting a free webinar focusing on on-farm, field-scale research trials. Sign up to learn how you can participate!   

Articles

Best Q&A from Agronomy Update 2026 - Part One

A huge thank you to the 654 participants who joined us for Agronomy Update 2026 on January 13-14! This is Part One of the best Q&A from Agronomy Update. The discussions in Integrated Pest Man…

Your agronomy questions answered

A big thank you to everyone who shared their top agronomy questions in our recent agronomy quizzes! Today, we’re diving into three of those questions, providing the timely information you need to ma…

Prairie nutrient removal calculator

Are you aware of how much nutrient was removed by the previous crop? Crop nutrient removal is a crucial piece of information to make soil fertility plans in the upcoming season.  

Make Your Acres Count! – 4R Nutrient Stewardship

Creating a 4R Nutrient Management Plan and getting your acres counted as 4R compliant is a powerful way to demonstrate your commitment to responsible stewardship. Getting certified not only opens door…

Heads up - Initial stripe rust forecast for 2026

Pathologists from the Pacific Northwest Region in the USA has indicated that 2026 is forecast to potentially have severe levels of stripe rust, with 40-60% yield losses in highly susceptible varieties…

Exploring Paliliser's Triangle - Soil Tour

Taking place from May 27 to 29, the 2026 Alberta Soils Tour is organized by Alberta Soil Science Workshop. It is an excellent training opportunity for those working with soils, including soil scientis…

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