Category: Crop Schools

As the snow melts, many producers across the Prairies are eagerly awaiting for the day they can get in the field — if they there aren't already. Sheldon Toews, technical service specialist with BASF, says when it comes to getting canola seed in the ground, farmers definitely need to pay attention to soil temperatures. "You... Read More

Corn yield records are made to be broken. That was certainly the case in Ontario in 2021 when the provincial average topped 200 bushels per acre, smashing the previous average yield mark. But all the corn brings with it an abundance of organic matter to return to the soil. When it comes to soil health... Read More

In recent years, leading U.S. soybean researchers have touted the benefits of early planting to reduce the loss of yield potential as planting stretches into late April and pushes into May. But does this research give growers clear direction on the best time to plant further north in Ontario? Horst Bohner, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture,... Read More

After a methodical march north from the Corn Belt, tar spot has now gained a foothold in Ontario. Last year, the yield-robbing leaf disease was confirmed in five counties in the southwestern, stretching from Essex to Simcoe. Characterized by tar-like speckling on the upper surface of corn leaves, the fungal pathogen has been delivering yield... Read More

Potassium powers soybean yield. Nitrogen and phosphorus make key contributions and then there are the micros like sulphur and boron that pitch in and help. How much of these nutrients should growers apply in 2022 to optimize their soybean acres? How do you navigate the challenge of skyrocketing fertilizer prices and availability versus lucrative market... Read More

The right source, right rate, right time, and right place —together, these make up the 4Rs of nutrient management. In recent years, there has increased focus on 4R nutrient management as a tool of environmental stewardship, but in a year where input costs are through the roof, the 4R focus makes economic sense, too. Bethany... Read More

Precision agriculture strategies and technology have become an integral part of managing crops such as corn, soybeans, and wheat, but are edible bean growers using it effectively in dry bean crops? Dublin, Ont., grower and Hensall Co-op field marketer Dave Louwagie doesn't think so. On this episode of RealAgriculture's Edible Bean School, Louwagie explains that... Read More

Have you zeroed your row units? It's one way to help ensure the corn planter is planting at the same depth across the entire implement and the field. On this episode of RealAgriculture's Corn School, Kearney Planters sales and customer care specialist Jay Curtis shows why zeroing row units is important and how to do... Read More

Glyphosate supply has been a hot topic this winter as growers look for ways to navigate through short supplies of this critical weed control tool. On this episode of RealAgriculture's Soybean School, University of Guelph weed scientist Dr. Peter Sikkema joins Bernard Tobin to discuss best practices and strategies to help growers make the most... Read More

A difficult fall, with too much rain, late planting and reduced acres, made for a tough Ontario wheat crop heading into winter. As we move into late March, the crop is looking good and RealAgriculture's resident wheat guru Peter "Wheat Pete" Johnson is enthusiastic about prospects for the crop. On this latest Wheat School episode,... Read More