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The Rural Voice, 1979-02, Page 36Canada is to agriculture. It is the last frontier, in this case for farming in Canada. It is the only remaining unexploited area where scientists believe farming can be undertaken with success. But the harsh climate, short growing season. heavy woodlands, long days and acid soils of the Peace River Region combine to represent one of the greatest challenges to agricultural science. There is no doubt that the land will be needed to meet increasing demand for food. Canada is a vast country. but only a small percentage of its total land mass can be used for agriculture. The balance is rocky bushland. suitable only for limited lumber production. The potential of the Peace River Region for agriculture is enormous. The area straddles the border between British Columbia and Alberta, between the 50th and 60th parallels. Its land mass covers more than 25 million hectares. of which slightly less than nine million hectares are considered to have potential for farming. At present. only two million hectares are being cultivated. "It's that remaining seven million hectares that represents the challenge to science," says Jim McKenzie. head of the environment and special crops section of Agriculture Canada's Northern Research Group. based in the heart of the Peace River Region at Beaverlodge, Alta. The task of developing the land is not simple. Research has already adapted crops to conditions in areas of the Peace already'used for farming. Forage, cereals, oilseeds and some horticultural crops have been adapted to flourish here. "The region varies from rolling uplands through prairies and glacial -like basins to deeply -carved river valleys and dense bushland," Dr. McKenzie says. "This, combined with other factors, creates numerous micro -climates. "Temperature, rainfall and length of the growing season can vary dramatically from one area to another." And in addition to the agricultural problems this poses, there exists an everincreasing competition between agri- culture and forestry. Land cleared for farming obviously is land lost for timber production. The Northern Research Group is cur- rently proposing a start at "square one" for further development of the Peace River Region for farming. "We need a complete land evaluation program for this remaining seven million hectares that has some potential for agriculture." Dr. McKenzie says. Almost every factor affecting food production has to be taken into account. These include soil types - which vary Wasting Time & Money? 500 PSI Seems Enough Until you try More! and you will be AMAZED at the DIFFERENCE when 'ou try out a COMMANDER Series Seasons' Greetings Pressure Washer right on your own premises [just ask!) and you can apply your detergent or dis- infectant in a concentrated fog with the Unique EPPS "MISTER" * * and then TEAR off the most stubborn scale and dirt with the high pressure blaster nozzle 800E* - 800 PSI 1200E/G* — 1200 PSI 2000E/G*-2000PSI * Electric or Gasoline * * mailable as an option on the model 800 right no'. Ask for a FREE 1emonstration C.H.EPPS MANUFACTURING LIMITED CaII today 5 19-482-3418 1P PG. 36 THE RURAL VOICE/FEBRUARY 1979 greatly throughout the area - rainfall. temp- eratures and number of host -tree clays. Daylength too is of critical importance. Compared with an abundance of harsh aspects for agriculture, days are long in the Peace River Region - golf games can start at 9 p.m. during the summer. This provides plants with a chance to reach maturity between killing frosts, the May 5 to September 18 period at Beaverlodge. "After we have collected and analyzed all this information on the area, we will know exactly which parts of the undev- eloped area of the Peace River Region is best suited for farming," Dr. McKenzie says. "We know how much daylight, soil nutrients, heat and how many frost -free days are needed by our crops. This information, coupled with new data gath- ered from the area in the land evaluation program will allow us to immediately identify the areas into which agriculture can spread. WANT ADS GET RESULTS H. GERRITS BARN EQUIPMENT LTD. Manufacturers -- Dealers Specializing in Complete Hog and Dairy Equipment . Badger . Acorn Our quality and prices should help you decide. • Farmatic Compare and see fot yourself CLINTON ., VANASTRA HWY. 4 LONDON •H. GFRR/TS \_(L)R LESS R.R.5 Clinton 519-482-7296 "Pracrical confining system tor less"