Things are Heating Up!

Thanks to our friends at AAFC, we have the capability to compare our current weather data to that of the past! This helps us understand where we are in the grand scheme of things, and assists in the planning and execution of outdoor planting and field trials. 

Based on the weather measured from March 1st to May 10th 2021, we are right on track with what was observed in 2017 for number of days above 5°C. As we amp it up to base 10 degree days, we see we are tracking similar to 2018, and are right on the heels of 2013. 

Despite a relatively dry winter/early spring, we have managed to catch up to the 10 year average the last few weeks! The red line on the graph tracks the cumulative precipitation of 2021, compared to that captured in previous years. Note that 2020 was tracking relatively similar to what we observed earlier this year. Hopefully things continue to progress on the wetter side of things and ease the stress surrounding hot dry growing seasons!

It is important to note that these values were collected at the Kentville Research Station - microclimates DO exist throughout the valley, as well as across province, so this is merely a guideline! For more site-specific information, consider installing your own weather monitoring station!

Posted by: Talia Plaskett

Water Woes

Irrigation management can be tricky, especially for those who are experimenting with new systems. From field producers who want to see more consistency in their watering, to those moving into an indoor production space, to those who are experimenting with soilless substrate, we have you covered! The commodity specialists at Perennia decided it was time to buckle down and tackle irrigation as a whole. 

Introducing our "Getting into the Weeds" Series! These sessions were designed to start with the basics, and build up from there, addressing some of the most commonly asked questions in plant agriculture. 

                             

Session 1: Water Movement through the soil - make every drop count
Session 2: Planning and Design of a Drip Irrigation System
Session 3: Operating and Managing a Drip Irrigation System
Session 4: Pivot and Guns: Irrigation System Management
Session 5: Fertigation: Integrating Nutrients with Irrigation Options
Session 6: Making the Switch to Soilless Substrate
Session 7: Irrigating my Soilless Substrate 
Session 8: Disease Management in Irrigated Crops 

Be sure to check these out, and see how your irrigation practices compare! 

Posted by: Talia Plaskett 

Proper Release of Biological Control Agents

Biological control is a key part of managing pest populations in cannabis production. While it is extremely important to conduct regular scouting and know the appropriate control methods to tackle your target pest populations it does not guarantee a successful biological control program.

It is important to check the quality of the product you are receiving from the insectary: 

• Are the biologicals alive? 
• Are they of good quality and form? 
• Were they stored and shipped properly? 

There are countless stories of producers who received product that was sub-optimal, and their IPM programs suffered as a result. By checking the quality of every shipment you receive from your insectary, you are one step closer to a successful biological control program. This does not guarantee that the product will be high quality, but you will be able to salvage the situation. Contact the insectary, voice your concerns, and be prepared to put in another order of biologicals. The alternative? Vast amounts of time and money spent on a program that is not working effectively, and a crop infested with pests.

Now that you know that your biologicals are in good form, it is time to release them! Knowing where in the crop to place them, how to properly store them, and the best way to handle the insect housing, are all important to maximize pest control. OMAFRA and the team at Vineland Research and Innovation Centre got together to talk about the proper release of biological controls. Click the following link to watch the video and see how your practices hold up!

Posted by: Talia Plaskett

Introducing...Perennia Cannabis Services!

Perennia is an organization known across Nova Scotia for providing a variety of services in agriculture, quality and food safety, product development, lab services and fisheries. Within the lab services division sits Bloom Labs - a name you may be more familiar with.

Bloom labs is a Health Canada-licensed cannabis testing lab that provides mandated, luxury and custom analytical services. These are available to all growers including micro-producers, large facilities and recreational growers.

Until now, agriculture services were limited when it came to cannabis. With the introduction of a new staff member dedicated to Protected Crop (greenhouse, tunnel, indoor facilities etc.) production, there was an opportunity to expand our offerings in the world of cannabis - in comes Talia Plaskett!

Talia has spent the last 11 months diving into Nova Scotia horticulture. Through introductions to producers and tours of ornamental, berry, vegetable and cannabis facilities, she has a good understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the province when it comes to commercial production. While the challenges in cannabis are unique, there are many similarities that exist across other commodities, and drawing on that experience will be beneficial to cannabis producers of all sizes.

What do our agriculture services look like? It comes in a variety of forms.

•  Virtual correspondence regarding questions you have about your production system
•   Site tours to help set the stage for your growth
• Beneficial for identifying the cause of any issues you may be experiencing
• Creates an open dialogue between you and the production specialist
• Fact sheets and webinars
• Allows us to address industry-wide gaps in understanding, as identified through conversations with growers
•   Fee-for-Service Consultation
• These projects will vary from facility to facility. Feel free to reach out to discuss an issue that requires specialized and focused attention

Talia is not the only new addition to the cannabis service team - meet Chelsea Meisner! Working with our analytical team, Chelsea can help with all aspects of the product development process including large scale development, manufacturing of edible cannabis products and shelf-life evaluations.

During 2019 Chelsea had a key role in developing some of the top-selling cannabis edible products currently on the market in Canada. As a Food Scientist, Chelsea has over ten years of experience in product development, quality control and manufacturing. The cannabis industry is growing and constantly changing as many companies are developing edibles. There is a lot of innovation and science happening to help create the best products for consumers. We are all still learning the interesting and challenging world of cannabis, and through the Product Development services at Bloom Labs, Chelsea hopes to provide knowledge and support to the industry.

What do our product development services look like?

• Formula Development
• Prototype bench top development of uninfused and infused products
• Cannabis incorporation
•  Ingredient sourcing and costing of formulations
• Process development that can be scaled up to meet current processing capabilities or capabilities of a co-packer
• Child-resistant packaging sourcing
• Regulatory requirements
• Scale Up Assistance
• Shelf-Life Evaluations

Talia and Chelsea look forward to connecting with you and learning how they can help you and your operation succeed! If you have any questions about how Perennia can support you, don't hesitate to reach out

Stay tuned for our latest blog!