Water, and access to clean water, is likely to define the next generation of agricultural inputs. Even if the Prairies return to a more average rainfall pattern in the short term, water scarcity is becoming more of an issue in several geographies and jurisdictions. Water isn't just required for plant growth, of course; it's required... Read More
Category: Crop Production
Proper staging is critical when applying in-crop herbicides in corn, but there are multiple ways to measure corn's growth stages, and herbicide labels don't always use the same method. Agronomists often use the "leaf collar" — or V-stage — method to describe growth stages, while others use plant height. However, herbicide labels often refer to... Read More
Another insect alert (this time for potato leafhopper), weather whammies and the effect on corn, corn nitrogen side-dress timing, and weed science research results all headline this week's episode of Wheat Pete's Word. Will host Peter "Wheat Pete" Johnson get through all his chosen topics before he runs out of time? Listen in to find... Read More
From November 2020 to March 2021, farmers and industry stakeholders were consulted over a draft Responsible Grain Code of Practice. Over 850 people participated in 24 consultation sessions. The feedback received and discussions surrounding the draft document have been compiled in an executive summary and report that was released June 9. In general, the majority... Read More
Responding to producer calls for change, and following consultations with stakeholders across the country, the Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) is implementing regulatory changes that add canary seed to the list of official grains. Effective August 1, 2021, grain producers will benefit from the same rights, services, and protections for their canary seed crop as they... Read More
A cross-border initiative between the Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO), Michigan State University, Michigan Wheat Program, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), and the University of Guelph will see the creation of a Great Lakes Yield Enhancement Network (YEN) for wheat growers. Announced June 9, the Great Lakes YEN is part... Read More
When it comes to growing crops, every drop of water counts. Irrigation researchers at Lethbridge College have long been working on optimizing the amount off water needed to grow crops in a variety of fields, but new funding will allow the team to get a more accurate view of how much moisture is present below... Read More
When's the best time of day to spray herbicides? Morning, noon, or night? University of Guelph weed scientist Dr. Peter Sikkema says that every herbicide has a time-of-day effect but generally speaking, growers get the best weed control at 3:00 pm in the afternoon. That's Sikkema's conclusion based on time-of-day efficacy trials he conducted using... Read More
Ontario corn growers appear to be sitting on strong yield potential as the the crop shakes off the effects of cool late May weather. Early planting and some timely, albeit limited, rains across the province have propelled the crop forward. With herbicide application expected to wrap up this week, growers will then turn their attention... Read More
National Insect Appreciation Day, which falls on June 8 this year, is an online celebration for insect enthusiasts, amateurs, and entomology professionals, promoted by the Entomology Society of Canada. John Gavloski, provincial entomologist for Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development, recently joined Lyndsey Smith to talk about the day and how to show your appreciation (and... Read More