Ecosystems are strange and wonderful places, and the ecosystem within canola fields is no exception. It can be easy to overlook the incredible abundance of interactions between different arthropods, including insects and spiders, happening within the canola canopy. Plus, when a farmer or agronomist sees damaged plants, it can be challenging to figure out if... Read More
Category: Crop Schools
Genetics and fungicides are the two pillars of disease defence when it comes to yield robbers like tar spot. But weather and technology also play a key role in helping growers defend their crops against the foliar disease. On this episode of the RealAgriculture Corn School, Ontario Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Agribusiness pathologist Albert... Read More
The Great Lakes Yield Enhancement Network (YEN) program for winter wheat has expanded from 43 farms in 2021 to 184 farms across Ontario and a growing number of U.S. states in 2024. In four short years, the program has identified key agronomic and management strategies that consistently drive higher yields for YEN grower participants. On... Read More
Those healthy looking soybeans may be hiding a hunger for nitrogen that could deliver higher yields. The oilseed's nitrogen needs have been much studied over the years with researchers generally agreeing higher rates of nitrogen don't pay, but that may not be the case when growers push for higher yields. On this episode of the... Read More
Farmers have become quite familiar with the 4Rs of nutrient management — when it comes to fertilizer application they need to consider the right source, rate, time and placement of nutrients. As more farmers use biologicals to help meet crop nutrient needs, Mosaic regional agronomist Braydn Lingbeck feels it's important to take a 4R approach... Read More
Specialty canola oil currently makes up approximately 10 percent of canola crop acres. While years ago the choice to go with a specialty oil could mean a yield gap, today, options in the hybrid seed space are plentiful and that yield gap has closed. Specialty canola genetics are up there in performance with regular commodity... Read More
There are a multitude of considerations and decisions to make when choosing the right corn hybrid for each field. When silage is the goal, it's important to consider soil type, environmental conditions, pest pressures, and where possible, an idea of how well corn grew in that field previously. In this episode of RealAgriculture's Corn School,... Read More
High-capacity combines are finding a fit in edible bean fields as growers look to cover more soy, corn, wheat and edible acres with fewer machines, and also take advantage of their gentler grain handling capabilities. On this episode of RealAgriculture's Edible Bean School, host Bernard Tobin rides along with Fred Van Osch of Van Osch... Read More
A fungicide application can have a significant impact on final winter wheat yields. That's according to the latest report from the Ontario Cereal Crops Committee (OCCC) which reveals that fungicides, in 2024 trials, delivered an average 12 to 13 bushels per acre yield advantage when compared to the same variety without a fungicide application. University... Read More
Dale Cowan has seen a lot of changes in agronomy and its application over his career. Well known for his exploration of new technology, the AGRIS Co-operative agronomy strategy manager and member of the Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame gets excited when he discusses the benefits digital technology is bringing to the practice of agronomy.... Read More