Alberta’s three largest crop commissions, Alberta Canola, Alberta Grains and Alberta Pulse Growers, have launched a new mobile app for Alberta’s Crop Protection Guide, better known as the Blue Book, giving farmers and agronomists convenient, on the go access to crop protection guidance.
Developed collaboratively by the three commissions, the Blue Book app is now available for download on Apple and Android devices. This launch follows feedback gathered in 2024, when producers and agronomists identified a growing need for a mobile-friendly version of the long-standing resource.
“This app is about putting practical, science-based information directly into the hands of farmers and agronomists when and where they need it,” said Alberta Grains Chair Scott Jespersen. “The Blue Book has been a trusted resource for decades and this next step ensures it continues to support informed decision-making on farms across Alberta.”
The Blue Book has supported Alberta farmers since 1977, offering guidance on pesticide application, product selection and farm safety. The new app builds on that foundation by improving accessibility while maintaining the reliability users expect.
“The Blue Book has evolved with the needs of farmers for nearly five decades, and this app is the next step in that evolution,” said Alberta Canola Chair Andre Harpe. “Moving to a digital format makes it even faster and easier for users to access important crop protection guidance in the field or on the go.”
At its core, the app features a comprehensive product database. It includes information on more than 700 registered crop protection products, including active ingredients, application details and direct links to product labels. Advanced search and filtering tools allow users to identify products based on pest, crop, product name or active ingredient.
Users can also compare products side by side to support decisions based on their cropping system and management goals. The app includes familiar Blue Book tools such as herbicide, fungicide, insecticide and seed treatment selector charts, along with guidance on product use and best management practices.
“Crop protection decisions are increasingly complex and timing is critical,” said Alberta Pulse Growers Chair Will Muller. “This app helps bring together the information farmers and agronomists need in one place so they can compare options and make confident, informed decisions for their operations.”
Designed for real-world farm conditions, the app includes offline functionality, ensuring access to critical information even in areas with limited connectivity.
The Blue Book is reviewed and updated annually with input from crop protection companies and industry experts, ensuring users have access to the most current information available. The app complements the print edition, which will continue to be produced and distributed.
The Blue Book app is available at both the Apple and Google Play App Stores for an annual subscription price of $20. More information can be found at albertabluebook.com.
Media Contacts:
Michelle Chunyua
Director of Communications
Alberta Canola
michelle@albertacanola.com
780-224-7970
Harley Groeneveld
Senior Manager, Communications & Marketing
Alberta Grains
hgroeneveld@albertagrains.com
403-371-2132
Rachel Peterson
Communications Manager
Alberta Pulse Growers
rpeterson@albertapulse.com
780-986-9398 ext. 108