This article appeared in the Summer 2016 issue of Pulse Crop News.

Caroline Sekulic, APG Director for Zone 4

Caroline Sekulic lives in the Rycroft area. She was elected to a three-year term as an APG Director in January representing Zone 4. She previously served as an advisor for the zone.

Pulse Crop News: Please tell us about your family and your farm.

Caroline Sekulic: Our children Max (16), Theo (13) and Olivia (14) all help on the farm. My husband, Nick, and I plant approximately 8,000 acres of crops along with calving out around 100 head of Angus cross cows on our ranch. We have one full-time employee, and a posse of great people who help when they can. This summer, our new shop will be completed and we will have agricultural interns from France and Germany. It will be an interesting season with lots of diversity!

PCN: What has been your experience with growing pulse crops?

CS: We have been growing peas, most often yellow over green of late, for almost 20 years. We have also successfully grown faba beans. Peas are a key crop in our rotation and have been our highest margin crop for the past number of years.

PCN: What percentage of your crop was made up of pulses last year, and what did you grow?

CS: Twenty-seven per cent or 2,130 acres were seeded to yellow peas.

PCN: What are you growing this year?

CS: We’re growing 3,100 acres of yellow peas, 2,700 acres of canola and 2,200 acres of cereals including red spring wheat and oats.

PCN: What tips or tricks have you learned growing pulses that you could share with new growers?

CS: Never swath peas. Flex draper headers make harvesting peas easier, pea augers on draper headers are a necessity almost all the time. Rolling the ground after seeding peas is a good harvest management practice.

PCN: What sparked your interest in APG?

CS: As an advisor I was able to see the marketing, research and extension successes that were started and supported by APG.

PCN: Is there an issue that is particularly important to you?

CS: Maintaining and developing new markets. In much of the world, protein and potable water are valuable commodities. IYP 2016 is an amazing global marketing opportunity that addresses the sustainability, health, economic and environmental concerns of our time with no downside to producers or consumers. New opportunities are exciting, and profitable.

PCN: What was the biggest issue facing your farm last year?

CS: Lack of rain in the growing season.

PCN: What has been the biggest benefit of your involvement with APG?

CS: Getting to know the players in the pulse Industry beyond our farm.

PCN: Why would you recommend that pulse producers get involved with their zone?

CS: I want to be part of the decision making in my industry. Without farmer directed marketing and research initiatives, our ability to compete globally will be reduced. Farmers are resourceful and creative entrepreneurs who can direct our industry better than any bureaucrat. We need a voice and this is it. If we don’t use it, we lose it.

Thank you, Caroline. We are looking forward to benefiting from your contributions to the Board.