Roxanne Beavers

I graduated with a M.Sc., having worked with Dr. Martin and Dr. Hammermeister from the OACC.

The ecology of agricultural systems is the area that most interests me from a research perspective. I moved to Truro in April to begin my studies with this critical research entity for the organic community in Canada. My current research is an investigation of the effect of increased seeding rates on wheat weed competition and wheat yield in organic systems. I have a study site at the Brookside Research Station in Truro, and am helping co-ordinate field trials with organic wheat farmers. I'm happy to be working with both the scientific community and on-the-ground producers.

My previous academic experience has focused on plant ecology. I graduated from the University of Guelph in 1999 with an Honours degree in Environmental Science (majoring in Ecology), which allowed me to take a broad array of courses. My desire to study agriculture has developed from personal interest rather than academic experience. My summers in high school were spent working at a demonstration organic garden (in Peterborough, ON), which did much to shape my future goals.

At Guelph, my coursework precluded taking most agriculture courses, so I pursued other avenues to learn about alternative forms of agriculture. I have been a WWOOFer and a member of Community Supported Agriculture projects, visited farms, community gardens, and farmers markets throughout Canada, the US, and Central America, and attended the Guelph Organic Agriculture Conference as often as possible. I've even helped coordinate a community garden collective in Yellowknife, NWT (where the growing season lasts from June until mid-September and the long hours of sunlight produce great veggies).

Email: rlbeavers@nsac.ca

Newspaper Article: Are higher seeding rates warranted?

OACC Extension bulletin, "SEEDING RATE FOR WEED CONTROL IN ORGANIC SPRING WHEAT"