News
INTRODUCTION: Most things change

There is an evolution in nearly every aspect of our lives or businesses and usually these are gradual rather than sudden. When we stop to think about it, the same applies to crop pests and crop markets.

Disease: blackleg and sclerotinia are two of canola's biggest scourges. We include stories in this issue that show where the latest research is in this. Clubroot is a relatively new disease and in 2004, Top Crop Manager covered its first identified incidence in Alberta, warning that it had serious potential to spread. And spread it has, as our latest story says, gradually, but surely being found in more fields.

Another 'gradual' development is biodiesel production and ethanol. At last, we are seeing commitment from private industry in production facilities and government regulations to encourage its use. These initiatives will no doubt be good for oilseed production and hopefully the price of agricultural commodities.
Two stories in this issue discuss canola's role in biodiesel: it's an emerging market. Are we on the brink of a brighter future here?

Our changes

This magazine has also seen a recent change: Peter Phillips, publisher since it was introduced in 1989 as well as publisher of its predecessor, Agri-book Magazine since 1977, has retired. I am taking over his role as publisher, while continuing as editor, which I have been since inception. Phillips' role as advertising sales manager has been ably filled by National Sales Manager, Kelly Dundas, who joined Top Crop Manager in 2005, and is teamed-up with Western Canada Sales Manager, Gerry Hertz who is based in Saskatchewan.

Yes, these are changes, but they are gradual and part of a plan that will ensure Top Crop Manager continues to bring readers its unique mix of high quality technical features to help you farm profitably.

Peter Darbishire, Publisher and Editor