Let's hope grain markets fare better than the Winnipeg Jets did in Game 2 of their Stanley Cup playoff game last night, but if they don't Jon Driedger, disappointed Jets fan and market analyst with Leftfield Commodity Research, says there's still reasons to sell small into price rallies. Where are we at right now? Big... Read More
Category: Features
Intercropping is the practice of growing two or more crops seeded at the same time (in one pass or two) that are then also harvested at the same time. The seeds are separated post-harvest, and the yield can, at times, out yield what each crop would have yielded on its own. But not all crops... Read More
There comes a time on every growing farm when grandpa's shop is no longer useful — nothing fits in the doorway, it's dark and cold, and just plain too small. Vandervalk Farms knew it was time to build a new, larger shop years ago, but it took a little time to decide on the size... Read More
There's no data better suited to a farm than data derived FROM that farm. Designing and executing an on-farm field trial can be incredibly valuable for informing changes in production practices, but it's key that the trial be designed to deliver solid data. To tackle what it takes to get the most out of on-farm... Read More
Cover crops can do a number of things, such as hold soil in place, cycle nutrients, suppress weed growth, and fix nitrogen. They can also interfere with planting and seeding the next crop if not terminated properly. There are several options available for terminating cover crops: choosing species that will winterkill (most of the time!),... Read More
Soybean cyst nematode is a tiny but very destructive pest of soybean. It's so damaging, that its presence can cause up to 25 per cent yield loss before symptoms are visible. Once SCN is in a field, it won't ever go away — for Manitoba and points west, there's still a chance to keep this... Read More
Research from Purdue University agronomy professor Shaun Casteel indicates that early sulphur applications broadcast pre-plant or right at planting can deliver a soybean yield bump in specific conditions. On the season debut of The Sharp Edge, Maizex agronomist Henry Prinzen takes that knowledge to the field to compare notes with Simcoe, Ontario, grower Kyle Sowden... Read More
Wheat is a crop that sets yield potential very early in the season, so it's imperative that the crop get off to the best start possible. Once plant stands and tillers are off to the races, splitting nitrogen can manage risk and help reach full yield potential. What's more, late N can also bump protein... Read More
Soil tests are one tool for determining fertilizer needs of a particular field, but several other factors impact the overall productivity of any soil zone, regardless of nutrient level. Factors such as physical make up of the soil, salinity, internal drainage, field position, and organic matter levels, all play a role in determining the high-yield... Read More
When it comes to phosphorus, having early availability close to the seed is of utmost importance to support early seedling development. Too much phosphorus too close can also cause seedling toxicity and death. What's the right amount for starter fertilizer? There's no one right answer, but there are several considerations for phosphorus management at seeding,... Read More