Advancements in RNA interference (RNAi) technology could soon unlock new tools for managing canola pests and pathogens, such as sclerotinia and flea beetles. RNAi — ribonucleic acid interference — involves targeting specific RNA sequences in a disease or pest, rather than targeting entire proteins or enzymes, as is the case with current pesticides. It's a... Read More
Category: Agronomy
Could cameras mounted on sprayer booms help revolutionize crop scouting, stand assessment and the gathering of crop management information? On this episode of RealAgriculture Soybean School, we ride along with the SWAT Cam to learn how these sprayer-mounted cameras scout fields and gather information agronomists and growers can utilize to make crop management decisions. Agronomist... Read More
On a recent Wheat School episode, RealAgriculture's resident agronomist Peter "Wheat Pete" Johnson spoke to New Zealand's Eric Watson, the former world record holder for wheat yield. This got RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney thinking about whether Canadian growers could apply any of Watson's techniques to the spring wheat crop. Of course, before making any... Read More
Unfortunately, when it comes to Mother Nature, there's no equality in the weather. Regardless, #harvest23 for winter cereals is underway in parts of Eastern Canada, and will continue through the country in the upcoming weeks. There are a few things Peter "Wheat Pete" Johnson wants to hit on before everyone is in full-blown harvest mode,... Read More
Corteva has announced plans to launch its new Vorceed Enlist corn varieties in Canada for planting in 2024. Vorceed Enlist corn combines three modes of action for above-ground insect protection and three modes of action for below-ground insect protection, including a new RNAi mode of action. It also includes tolerance to four herbicides – 2,4-D... Read More
Earthworms are not just great for fishing bait, but also an indication of soil health. Or is that actually true? The origin of this topic popped into my head as I travelled across the Prairies last week shooting agronomic videos. At a couple stops the farmers referenced earthworm populations as an indication of soil health.... Read More
The Potato Growers of Alberta (PGA) has released what it's calling a landmark study on the economic impact the potato industry in the province. The report outlines the significant growth of Alberta's potato industry in recent years, and documents its economic impact. The study — completed by Serecon Inc. and Nichols Applied Management — estimated... Read More
How do you cover acres quickly during planting season with big equipment without causing compaction and compromising yield? Cliff Horst and his brother, Dale, make it happen with a 24-row Harvest International planter and a Fendt 1038 tractor. The brothers farm in Perth County, Ont., and also operate Country Custom Ag, providing custom services to... Read More
Soybeans can be called the ugly duckling of the crop world. Sometimes slow to emerge, especially under less-than-ideal conditions, soybean fields can look pretty stagey and ragged in late June to early July. However, Ken Currah of BASF says that soybeans can really surprise a grower — both in how quickly an uneven field can... Read More
"We've always done it that way" isn't always the best approach in farming, and that includes the decision on how much fertilizer to put down with canola at seeding. Canola is sensitive to fertilizer toxicity, especially in dry soil conditions. It's well worth revisiting what's traditionally been considered a safe rate in the seed row,... Read More