MACKENZIE APPLIED RESEARCH ASSOCIATION (MARA)
The Mackenzie Applied Research Association (MARA) is a non-profit, producer-driven organization that conducts applied agricultural research, demonstration trials and rural extension in Mackenzie County, the most northern region of Alberta.
Our mission is to serve producers within our region by meeting the special needs that result from our unique climatic, geographic and soil conditions and to facilitate the transfer of Best Management Practices (BMPs) to producers on reducing production costs, marketing strategies, alternative practices and environmental sustainability.
About our region:
Mackenzie County is located in the extreme north-western corner of Alberta and consists of:
Fort Vermilion
La Crete
High Level
Rainbow Lake
Zama City
The county comprises 12 per cent of Alberta's entire landmass, or about 50,000 square kilometres. The area offers a mix of flat arable land with boreal forest, thus accounting for active agriculture, forestry and tourism industries. Oil and gas also play a significant role in the area's economy. Fort Vermilion, La Crete and High Level are more driven by forestry and agriculture.
Projects:
We have been involved in numerous projects including:
Regional Cereal, Flax and Field Pea Variety Trials
Prairie Canola Variety Trials
Polish Canola Co-op Trials
Barley Seed Treatment Evaluation
Alberta Pest Survey
Alternative Crop Choices:Sunflower
Winter Wheat in Rotations
Effect of Seeding & Fertilizer Rates on Canola and Barley Stands
Reducing Wintering Costs for Cattle Producers -- Swath & Bale Grazing
Alfalfa Winter Hardiness
Trial Corn for Silage in