The Manitoba Zero Tillage Research Association (MZTRA) is a producer-driven applied research organization that was founded in1992. The objective of the MZTRA Is to guide the evolution of zero tillage crop production through actual farm oriented research and extension activities. As much as possible, these activities are to be carried out in

cooperation with other agencies so that farmers and researchers develop stronger lines of communication. In addition, the MZTRA has been contracted by Agriculture Canada through the Parkland Agricultural Research

Initiative (PARI ) to monitor changes in soil and water quality in response to conservation oriented farming techniques. The above responsibilities require the MZTRA to conduct research and demonstration projects on a field scale and under realistic agronomic and financial management conditions.

PARI is an environmental initiative of the Government of Canada's Greenplan.

The MZTRA is pursuing its objectives through the operation of research/demonstration farm located 18 km north of Brandon, Manitoba. The farm consists of 640 acres of Newdale clay loam with six other soil types present on the undulating landscape that is characteristic of the pothole region of western Manitoba approximately 480 acres of the farm I suitable for cropping. The remaining 160 acres serves as habitat for migrating waterfowl and other wildlife. Of the 480 acres suitable for growing crops, Ducks Unlimited Canada will convert 8 acres into a stand of native grass for use in a grazing rotation study starting in 1994. Approximately 30 acres is suitable for small plot research trials. However, the vast majority of research and demonstration programs will occur on a field scale.

Board of Directors - 5 farmers and I Representative from each of the following agencies: Agriculture Canada, P.F.R.A., Ducks Unlimited Canada, Manitoba Agriculture and the University of Manitoba. The current President of the Association is Robert Stevenson who farms near Kenton, Mb. the Board guides the general affairs of the Association and direct the research manager and the research committee in matters concerning the financial, personnel, communications and research priorities of the Association.

Research Committee - 2 farmers and one representative from each of the following: Manitoba Agriculture,

University of Manitoba Agriculture Canada, agri-industry and Ducks Unlimited Canada. The research committee assesses research projects to ensure that they serve as a source of practical information. All of the partners in the MZTRA have agreed that concerr.1 about pest control, crop adaptation, surface residue manage mer and fertility practices that have been solicited from farmers will be the focus of the research and extension effort. Acknowledging that these concerns often Influence the entire farm, the research program willing to investigate them on large fields and on the context of a realistic farming enterprise. The research committee also aids the research manager in decisions regarding research materials and methods and in matters regarding collaborative research.

The past year was used to establish the MZTRA farm. Land was purchased in the spring and a local farmer was employed by the Association to grow conventional crops of spring wheat and

canola. It was cool and damp during much of the growing season Wheat yields were 30 bu/acre and the canola yielded approximately 25 bu/acre. The research manager has been in place since 1 October and has been provided with an office in the Agriculture Canada Research Station in Brandon.

This fall, the Canada/Manitoba Soil Survey and P.F.R.A. carried out a detailed assessment of the topography and soil quality characteristics of the research farm respectively. These maps have provided us with a detailed assessment of soil type, salinity, stoniness, erosion and slope. A weed survey was carried out in October in which the presence of perennial and winter annual weeds was assessed on cropped and as well as around potholes. A detailed assessment of ground and surface water is to be carried out in the spring. The above studies constitute baseline data from which changes in tie environment in response to crop production will be monitored.

The MZTRA has received funding from tie PARI program during their initiation period of the research farm. The Manitoba-North Dakota Zero Tillage Farmers Association has pledged $30,000 to help the MZTRA get off the ground. The sale of MZTRA memberships ($200 for farmers, $500 for corporations) has generated additional revenue. In addition, the MZTRA received funding in 1993 from the Manitoba Sustainable Development Initiatives and to cover costs of two studies concerning row spacing and fertilizer placement. These studies were conducted by Agriculture Canada and Manitoba Agriculture respectively.

For 1994, the Association hopes to supplement the money it receives from PARI with funds from producer, and corporate memberships as well as from the Canada-Manitoba Agreement on Agricultural Sustainability. Funds from these sources would be directed toward specific research and demonstration projects.