Four of Alberta’s crop commissions launch the 2022 Blue Book advance ordering system

Four of Alberta’s crop commissions – Alberta Barley, Alberta Canola, Alberta Pulse Growers, and the Alberta Wheat Commission – have launched the 2022 advance ordering system for Alberta’s Crop Protection Guide, otherwise known as the Blue Book. Starting today, Alberta farmers, agronomists and agriculture retailers can get ahead of the busy growing season by placing their 2022 Blue Book orders at albertabluebook.com with shipping at the beginning of March.

“After a successful first year producing and delivering the 2021 Blue Book, the commissions couldn’t be prouder of what we can accomplish together. We continually seek to add value together and the Blue Book is a real testament to that,” explained Tara Sawyer, Alberta Barley Chair.

The 2022 Blue Book marks the second year of the commissions collaborating to produce this valuable tool for Alberta’s crop sector. Previously produced by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the 2021 Blue Book was the inaugural season of the commissions assuming production. With the aim of streamlining production and adding value, the Alberta Wheat and Barley Commissions’ in-house publication society, GrainsWest magazine undertakes the production of the Blue Book.

Along with annual updates to crop protection products and information, enhancements to the 2021 Blue Book included a revised sprayer operations section and a new section on pesticide resistance. The commissions also unveiled the new pre-order feature last year, which accounted for over 60 per cent of 2021 Blue Book orders. Blue Book sales from the 2021 season were consistent with levels from previous years further indicating that the resource remains a valued tool in Alberta’s crop industry.

The four major crop commissions are proud to collaborate on this tool to deliver the most up to date information on application and storage protocols, along with new crop protection products. Farmers, agronomists and agriculture retailers can place their order for the 2022 Blue Book at albertabluebook. com and expect their Blue Books to arrive in March.

“The Blue Book is a quick reference tool that continues to be valued by Alberta’s farmers. It contains important information that farmers need throughout the year. We are pleased to be a partner in this collaboration,” stated Robert Semeniuk, Alberta Pulse Growers Chair.

“The commissions are extremely proud to continue the legacy of the Blue Book in Alberta. After one year of production under our belt, there is a strong indication that this trusted resource remains greatly valued amongst farmers and agronomists in Alberta,” added Todd Hames, Alberta Wheat Commission Chair.