Growers topdressing melted urea to boost wheat protein should be asking their supplier whether it contains a contaminant that's toxic to wheat, suggests a soil scientist at the University of Manitoba. With the introduction of higher yielding wheat varieties, there's been new interest in applying post-anthesis nitrogen to wheat to boost protein content in Western... Read More
Category: Podcasts
Are spider mites poised to infest your soybean fields? With drought conditions persisting across Ontario, Huron Commodities agronomist Wayne Wheeler says “it’s not a case of whether spider mites will show up, but when.” In this episode of Real Agriculture Soybean School, Wheeler explains that one of the major attractions for spider mites are well-groomed... Read More
Changes to wheat classes in Western Canada are just around the corner. Two classes will be created, while three others will be dropped, on August 1, 2016. Murdoch MacKay, commissioner with the Canadian Grain Commission, joins us for this episode of the Wheat School to discuss the changes and why they're being made. As he... Read More
When you see two tillers growing out of a corn root you may suspect the wannabe plants are stealing nutrients from the main stalk, along with yield potential. But that’s not the case, explains Pride Seeds’ market agronomist Aaron Stevanus on this episode of Real Agriculture Corn School. “Tillers are actually a good thing. It... Read More
The word "biosecurity" can conjure up some interesting images, not limited to an overabundance of showers, hard-drives of paperwork and hazmat suits. But, ensuring good levels of on-farm biosecurity doesn't have to be overwhelming. "There's been so much focus on biosecurity as a word," says Franklyn Garry, professor at Colorado State University, "that it does,... Read More
If the world of soil biology had its own version of Facebook, crops like peas, lentils, corn and flax would be listed as "in a symbiotic relationship" with mycorrhizal fungi. The microscopic organisms help these crops access phosphorus in the soil. Wheat would probably be friends with mycorrhiza, as cereals see some benefit from having... Read More
It's a diagnosis no cattle producer wants to hear, and it's likely much more prevalent than we realize. Caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP), Johne's causes chronic enteritis (inflammation of the intestine), diarrhea and progressive weight loss in cattle. Despite the seemingly obvious symptoms in infected animals, the disease has characteristics that can make... Read More
There are many potential stressors for cattle during transport, as Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's Karen Schwartzkopf-Genswein pointed out at the recent Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association conference and annual general meeting. Animals have to contend with handling (often by unfamiliar people), a unique environment, mixing with new animals, feed and water restrictions and the energy/focus required... Read More
In early July, IP soybean growers aren’t typically thinking about weed control. But when it comes to nightshade, growers need to be diligent and watch for late flushes that could compromise the quality of food grade export markets, explains Huron Commodities agronomist Wayne Wheeler. In this episode of Real Agriculture Soybean School, Wheeler explains that... Read More
While western Canadian crops look to be in good shape overall, drought is taking its toll in Ontario. On the heels of the UK's Brexit vote, there’ve been some new developments in the Canada-Europe trade deal and environmental groups are taking the Canadian government to court over neonics, despite honey bee colony numbers in Canada... Read More