One of the reasons weed species can be so difficult to get ahead of is because of their ability to adapt to conditions. Herbicide labels often refer to weed size when targeting the ideal control window, but in dry conditions weeds can stay small while rapidly move towards maturity. Mike Cowbrough, weed specialist for the... Read More
Category: Agronomy
Dry spring planting conditions have many growers wondering how their soil-applied residual herbicides will perform, as the weather continues to heat up with little meaningful rain in sight. Research by University of Guelph weed scientist Dr. Peter Sikkema indicates pre-emergence herbicides will still deliver significant value for growers in dry spring conditions. He notes that... Read More
As we approach the first long weekend of the summer season, farmers are thinking about relaying winter wheat and barley for forage, protecting N on dry ground, and skipping a pre-emergent herbicide pass. As to whether all or some (or none) of those are good ideas, Peter "Wheat Pete" Johnson has the answers in this... Read More
With the corn crop pretty much planted in Ontario, growers are pushing to finish soybeans as increasingly hot, dry weather depletes soil moisture. With only small, isolated rain events forecast for the week ahead, growers are wondering how deep they should plant seed for their remaining soybean acres. With many already planting at the 2"... Read More
There are secret, mysterious agents lurking in crop stubble. But have no fear, they're on your side. Many are familiar with wheat midge and the damage the insect can cause, but you might be less familiar with the parasitoid that attacks this crop pest. Host Shaun Haney is joined by Jennifer Otani, pest management biologist... Read More
From fleabane, to wild oats, to kochia and Palmer amaranth, which weed is the toughest to kill on the farm? For this episode of The Agronomists, host Lyndsey Smith is joined by Mike Cowbrough, weed specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and Tammy Jones, technical sales agronomist with Corteva AgriScience,... Read More
The Canola Council of Canada (CCC) has recently updated a few agronomy graphics, including the life cycle of blackleg. "We've had different life cycles in the past, but we wanted to update it and provide a little bit more information kind of in a one shot," says Justine Cornelsen, agronomy specialist with CCC. In this... Read More
Longtime CEO of the Grain Farmers of Ontario Barry Senft has accepted the position of executive director of Seeds Canada. Senft will join Seeds Canada June 1. “We look forward to welcoming Barry to our organization. His national experience in the grain sector, understanding of agriculture issues and extensive experience in strategic development and leadership... Read More
Wheat prices are amazing and everyone wants big wheat yields this year; so how do you achieve them? By paying close attention to your nitrogen applications, of course. Peter "Wheat Pete" Johnson is hopping mad in this Wheat School episode — mad at himself that is. In the video, he's standing in a wheat field... Read More
What's the cold weather doing to wheat crops, to the insect populations, and to the soil? In this episode of Wheat Pete's Word, host Peter Johnson answers these questions; plus he talks road safety, cool stuff, insects, weed questions, dirt questions (ahem, soil), and more. Have a question you’d like Johnson to address or some... Read More