Guess what just flew in from the U.S. courtesy of the jet-stream? Armyworms, and apparently they brought friends this year. Reports are in from producers all over Ontario who have spotted the pests in their wheat fields. Infestations of armyworm tend to be cyclical with populations dependent largely on the natural parasites that affect them.... Read More
Category: Agronomy
Producers and agronomists have both touted the benefits of early planting when it comes to soybeans. Just how much of a benefit is it? Considering the relatively short season for soybeans in Ontario, three to four weeks can pay off at harvest. That early planting doesn't come without risk. Cold temperatures and other adverse early... Read More
Spray timing, plant population and desiccants are very important elements to manage when it comes to weed control and the proper development of your pulse crop. According to Weed Biologist Eric Johnson of Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada, producers should start to plan weed control 2 to 3 years ahead. What that means is that in... Read More
Get to know your field and get to know it well. That's the root of understanding any problem you have in your canola crop. According to Canola Council of Canada Senior Agronomist Doug Moisey there is no better approach to monitoring the health of your crop than to get in and get your hands dirty.... Read More
One of the biggest concerns about disease control is the development of resistance to commonly used fungicides. Fortunately though, the major pesticide companies are still devoted to dealing with this issue and are launching new products. There are typically two approaches to developing new fungicides which stave off resistance. One method of course is to... Read More
The pursuit of 300+ bushel corn is still very much alive. Yield competitions from a host of different companies are challenging producers to raise the bar when it comes to corn production. The difference in PRIDE Seeds 300+ Bushel Initiative is found in their "whole field" approach. Whereas most of these yield challenges push production... Read More
There is a lot going on with the insect population inside your canola field and, believe it or not, it's not all bad. The truth is that some of those little guys can be doing you a huge favour. Beneficial insect populations within your canola can oftentimes keep insect pests at levels that don't require... Read More
There is a growing concern from farmers and the industry to herbicide resistance. Whether its giant ragweed or kochia, hebicide resistance is a challenge for farmers. Currently, there is 8 different herbicide groups with confirmed resistance. According to Michael Schaad, Eastern Business Manager, BASF Canada, Glyphosate resistance was first found in the mid 90's and... Read More
Lentils are a relatively small acreage but still requires some of the technology that other crops are fortunate enough to participate in. Clearfield Lentils has been a unique partnership between Saskatchewan Pulse Growers, BASF and University of Saskatchewan's Crop Development Center. With the introduction of Clearfield lentils in 2007, farmers are quickly adopting this solution... Read More
The in-crop spraying season is just around the corner for a number of growers in Western Canada. Spraying at the proper time allows your crop to use nutrients and moisture without having to compete against various weeds, as well as allows your crop to metabolize herbicides more readily. What I want to focus on now... Read More