A large part of farming has always included trying new things to see what impact change can have on soil, crops yield, and ultimately profit margins. While traditional small plot research is imperative for testing new crop varieties, product efficacy, and evaluating individual management practices, there hasn't always been an easy route to take small... Read More
Category: Crop Production
Different pulse crop types need a different weed-free window to reach maximum yield potential. Targeting weeds early — sometime as early as the year before — might be the best way to ensure that yield potential, but that's not always possible. What's the best course of action for in-crop weed control? To unpack the various... Read More
Canola growers can look forward to some new, short-season hybrid options in the 2025 line up. New from BASF for 2025 are InVigor L330PC and L333PC which feature strong standability, patented pod shatter resistance, first-generation clubroot resistance, and an R rating for blackleg. Growers can look for InVigor L341PC, also in the short-season 300 series... Read More
Finding a good day to spray isn't just about wind speed or direction — temperature and relative humidity matter, too. This growing season has thrown some super challenging conditions at growers and spray operators, as hot and humid weather, excessive rain, and early growth have thrown several wrenches in the best laid plans. For this... Read More
Why on earth should corn growers take a page out of wheat growers' handbook? Paul Sullivan of Sullivan Agro near Kinburn, Ont., says there are management lessons learned in wheat that apply to corn production, too. It all comes down to managing stress at key points in the growing season. Looking to the Great Lakes... Read More
What's the difference between targeted spraying and spot spraying? Chris Hansen, small grains agronomist with John Deere, says that it's important to distinguish between a small-scale, handheld spot spray pass and the technology and field-level equipment required for targeted spray applications. There are also different levels of targeted spray offered by several companies, from the... Read More
Farmers and ranchers are responsible for managing the land they own or rent, including ecologically sensitive areas such as riparian areas and wetlands. These areas aren't always easy to identify, and some of these areas may currently be cultivated and producing crops. Each province has its own goals on conservation of different areas, and there... Read More
While small plot research allows for well-controlled studies, it can be challenging for farmers to implement new findings at a farm scale. Variability in environment, soil, topography and equipment can change the outcome of practices that may have worked very well in small plots. One way to solve the issues experienced by growers when implementing... Read More
Olds College is receiving more than $3 million from the federal government to expand its Smart Farm operations in Saskatchewan and purchase new equipment for agricultural research. Dan Vandal, Minister of Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), announced the funding at the school's main campus at Olds, Alta., on Wednesday as part of a broader announcement... Read More
When Dave Van Belle hears the word 'sustainability' the first two things that come to his mind are environmental sustainability and economic sustainability. The two go hand in hand, says the president of Van Belle Nursery, a family-owned wholesale nursery located just north of Abbotsford, B.C. Over the last 50 years the business has grown... Read More