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Alberta Blue book

New app puts farm decisions in Alberta farmers’ hands 

Jun 12, 2026 | 10:48 AM

Alberta’s three largest crop commissions have launched a mobile app for Alberta’s Crop Protection Guide, better known as the Blue Book, to give farmers and agronomists on-the-go access to crop protection guidance. 

Developed by Alberta Canola, Alberta Grains and Alberta Pulse Growers, the Blue Book app is available for download on Apple and Android devices. The launch follows feedback gathered in 2024, when producers and agronomists identified a growing need for a mobile-friendly version of the long-standing resource. 

“This app is about putting practical, science-based information directly into the hands of farmers and agronomists when and where they need it,” said Alberta Grains Chair Scott Jespersen. “The Blue Book has been a trusted resource for decades and this next step ensures it continues to support informed decision-making on farms across Alberta.”   

The Blue Book has been around since 1977, offering guidance on pesticide applications, product selection and farm safety. The app builds on that foundation by improving accessibility while maintaining the reliability users expect. 

“The Blue Book has evolved with the needs of farmers for nearly five decades, and this app is the next step in that evolution,” said Alberta Canola Chair Andre Harpe. “Moving to a digital format makes it even faster and easier for users to access important crop protection guidance in the field or on the go.”   

The app features a database of more than 700 registered crop protection products, including active ingredients, application details and direct links to product labels. Search and filtering tools let users identify products by pest, crop, product name or active ingredient. 

Users can also compare products side by side based on their cropping system and management goals. The app includes Blue Book tools such as herbicide, fungicide, insecticide and seed treatment selector charts, along with guidance on product use and best management practices. 

“Crop protection decisions are increasingly complex and timing is critical,” said Alberta Pulse Growers Chair Will Muller. “This app helps bring together the information farmers and agronomists need in one place so they can compare options and make confident, informed decisions for their operations.”   

Designed for farm conditions, the app includes offline functionality, ensuring access to critical information in areas with limited connectivity. 

The Blue Book is reviewed and updated annually with input from crop protection companies and industry experts, ensuring users have access to current information. The app complements the print edition, which will continue to be produced and distributed. 

The Blue Book app is available at both the Apple and Google Play App Stores for an annual subscription price of $20. 

More information can be found here

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