There's big yield potential in winter wheat fields across Ontario as the crop advances quickly with help from favourable spring growing conditions. Growers have been busy getting that first shot of nitrogen on the crop and focus now shifts to whether the crop can benefit from a plant growth regulator (PGR) as the wheat advances... Read More
Category: Agronomy
A bed of chickweed is a sure sign that weeds are awake, actively growing and planting isn't far off. On this episode of RealAgriculture's Soybean School, host Bernard Tobin heads to the field with BASF Canada agronomist Rob Miller to talk spring weed control and what growers should be looking for as they scout fields.... Read More
The topic of soil compaction often arises when talking about the heaviest of farm machinery — four-wheel drive tractors, grain carts/buggies, and manure spreaders — but sprayers should also be at the forefront when it comes to trying to minimize compaction. After all, with some sprayer tanks now exceeding 2,000 gallons and booms extending upwards... Read More
If there's one thing freshly-planted soybeans don't like, it's a cold drink of water. Soybeans are quite resilient to early season weather and cool soil, but a cold rain in the first 12-hours after planting can spell death to newly-planted soybeans. How does corn fare? Well, not much better, says RealAgriculture's resident agronomist Peter "Wheat... Read More
Calendar dates can be thrown out when it comes to scouting for weeds and early nitrogen application in Ontario, as growing degree accumulation is well ahead of normal. As part of this week's edition of Wheat Pete's Word, host Peter Johnson discusses the implications of crops being ahead of schedule, the confirmation of glyphosate-resistant lamb's... Read More
Glyphosate resistance has been confirmed in lamb's-quarters in Quebec. The finding, which comes from the CÉROM grain research centre, is the first confirmation of glyphosate resistance in the annual weed anywhere in the world. University of Guelph research scientist Dr. Peter Sikkema shared the news with those attending the Ag Business Breakfast Meeting at Ridgetown,... Read More
It's a beetle-eat-worm world out there in the field, and it pays to know which insects are doing the eating of others, says Tyler Wist in this latest episode of the Pests and Predators podcast, brought to you by Field Heroes. Wist, entomologist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada at Saskatoon, says that Ladybird beetles are... Read More
There's no data better suited to a farm than data derived FROM that farm. Designing and executing an on-farm field trial can be incredibly valuable for informing changes in production practices, but it's key that the trial be designed to deliver solid data. To tackle what it takes to get the most out of on-farm... Read More
It won't be long before the soil is fit and planters roll into edible bean fields. On this episode of the RealAgriculture Edible Bean School, Hensall Co-op field marketer and edible bean grower Dave Louwagie shares a checklist he uses to make sure all systems are go when conditions are right for dry beans. To... Read More
Cover crops can do a number of things, such as hold soil in place, cycle nutrients, suppress weed growth, and fix nitrogen. They can also interfere with planting and seeding the next crop if not terminated properly. There are several options available for terminating cover crops: choosing species that will winterkill (most of the time!),... Read More