Chinook Applied Research Association

The chinook applied research association (cara) carries out a program of agriculturally orientated adaptive research and demonstration projects at various locations throughout the special areas and md of acadia. The information generated from these projects is made available to local farmers and ranchers assisting them in maintaining profitable and environmentally sustainable operations. Cara staff also represent the local agricultural community by taking concerns and issues to the provincial level and by participating in various provincial initiatives with other members of the agricultural industry. New additions to cara's programs in 2024 included: a study on managing kochia (a herbicide resistant weed) propagation of native grass species alternative options to pasture rejuvenation as well as locally focused cereal variety trials. Staff continue to address inquiries from local producers on wide range of topics including crop and forage production concerns; applied research results; feed water soil and seed testing; horticulture environmental stewardship plant diseases and pests; and business management.