University of Regina (U of R) professor Kerri Finlay says she is looking forward to sharing her research into water quality for livestock to farmers at this year’s Canadian Western Agribition (CWA).
“It’s always really good to be able to get out and actually talk to people,” said Finlay, who is also director of the Institute of Environmental Change and Society.
At last year’s CWA, the U of R showed off their research into water-quality for livestock by the Finlay Aquatic Sciences Team (F.A.S.T), as well as research by the U of R Biology department of Canada thistle and root rot.
“We’ve [U of R researchers] been working with a group called Water Rangers,” said Finlay, “they’re based out of Ottawa [and] they have developed these water quality testing kits.”
“What we wanted to do is to modify these kits and pull the relevant parts out that might be of interest to farmers. Specifically ranchers that have cattle that are accessing dugouts or wetland ponds, or whatever water bodies they have on their land.
“We got the kits down to really just looking at salinity… There are lots of problems associated with salts and sulphates in the water in southern Saskatchewan.
“The other major concern for cattle in terms of water quality is looking at toxic algal blooms.”
U of R students working with Finlay are currently testing out more environmentally friendly options for killing algal blooms.
“This [solution] is mostly hydrogen peroxide and a version of hydrogen peroxide that is a powder.
“At Agribition, we’re really getting the information out there [and] talking about these water quality issues,” said Finlay.
Packed with various types of trade shows, livestock exhibitors, and the iconic Maple Leafs Finals Rodeo, the CWA is one of the top events of the year for Regina’s tourism, with last year bringing in $151.3 million.
For first-year education majors at the University of Regina, Jillian Karst and Abigayl Bodner, the first thing that comes to mind when they hear of the Canadian Western Agribition is, “probably bull-riding,” said Karst.
“It’s [CWA] massive for agriculture and stuff,” said Karst. “I go to local events around Regina. I would consider going but I’ve never been.”
For Finlay, getting the team’s research out in the agricultural sphere and the kits into the hands of those who are most affected is key.
“We do work with farmers directly which is great,” said Finlay. “I find for myself, I tend to get into my own head on the research side of things.
“But the minute you start talking to the producers… It really grounds me in making sure that the research is relevant and of interest to the people that we are trying to work with.”
Along with fan favourites like bull-riding, CWA events during its run from Nov. 23-28 at Regina’s Brandt Centre and REAL District are also available, such as Sensory Hour, 19+ Party on the Dirt, Family Night at the Chutes presented by The Regina Pats, and Breakfast in the Barns with Premier Scott Moe set to attend.
