There are a lot of bugs on the prairie landscape — most are beneficial, but the few harmful ones tend to get most of the attention. Sometimes it's important to take a minute to find out who your friends are. There is a battle being waged in your fields, even if you can't see it.... Read More
Category: Crop Production
Ever consider replacing your planter disc openers with high-pressured water jets? The concept is called aqua-till. The idea has been pioneered by the South Australian NoTill Farmers Association (SANTFA). Earlier this week, SANTFA research and development manager Greg Butler traveled north to Ontario to showcase the technology for farmers attending the annual FarmSmart Expo near... Read More
A list of eight agronomic research priorities will receive funding through a new "Integrated Crop Agronomy Cluster" announced by federal Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay in Saskatoon, Sask. on Thursday — the latest ag research "cluster" to have funding announced by the minister in his cross-country summer tour. $6.3 million under the government's new Canadian Agricultural... Read More
It's July and that means two things: sunburns and field tour season! Our apologies for this week's Wheat Pete's Word being posted a day late, but it was actually a field tour (and plot harvest) that pushed host Peter Johnson right to deadline. We promise it's worth the wait, however, as this week's episode is... Read More
Federal Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay announced up to $14 million in funding for beef and forage research under the new Canadian Agricultural Partnership while attending the Calgary Stampede on Wednesday. The funding for the new "Sustainable Beef and Forage Science Cluster" will go to the Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) — the research division of... Read More
There have definitely been some real challenges this growing season across many parts of the Prairies. Although some areas have received adequate moisture, the majority of acres have been under a drier bias when it comes to weather conditions. With this variability comes decision making, but you have to make sure you are getting out... Read More
Saskatchewan-based farm equipment manufacturer Morris Industries rolled out a brand new air drill design at Canada's Farm Progress Show at Regina last month. The Quantum air drill features a stronger, simpler frame design, a new air system, and more row spacing options than previous models, according to the company. "We've thought about this product from... Read More
Wheat breeding is a poor cousin when you compare it to the investment and resources corn and soybean plant breeders have at their disposal to develop new and improved plant genetics. The arrival of CRISPR technology, however, is giving wheat breeders hope that they may finally get a leg up on their big-crop cousins. At... Read More
OMAFRA soybean specialist Horst Bohner is back on his tractor and rolling soybeans for a second year as part of a multi-year research trial. The fundamental idea behind the research is to somehow induce a response that will cause the soybean plant to become more bushy and produce more nodes. At meetings this winter, growers... Read More
Hay crops can be tricky when it comes to agronomic considerations. Unlike annual crops, hay breaks dormancy, continues to grow and then mature after cutting, and eventually needs to rest up to go dormant again. The unique characteristics of perennials means that fertility is needed at different times of year than most are used to,... Read More