With concerns around climate change, the availability of non-renewable resources, and increasing the sustainability of industries as a whole, it is not surprising that organizations like the Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute (PAMI) are looking at ways to harness energy that is otherwise wasted. I recently spoke to Joy Agnew, project manager at PAMI, about their... Read More
Category: Western Canada
A total of 28 research projects focused on expanding or improving barley's use as feed, food and malt will receive funding under a new Barley National Research Cluster, spearheaded by the Alberta Barley Commission. Newly re-appointed federal agriculture minister Gerry Ritz was on hand last week to make the $8 million announcement. “This is a... Read More
If you live on the Prairies, chances are you’ve seen numerous thunderstorms develop. You already know they typically form on hot, humid days. This is because thunderstorms require moisture, a force to move that moisture and an unstable air mass to develop. You’ve also seen the cumulus stage of thunderstorms developing on the horizon, no... Read More
Canada's Farm Progress Show is a great event to take in if you're looking for neat new pieces of equipment to make life on the farm easier and more productive. The show even hands out awards to those inventions that offer a new way to tackle an old job. Haukaas Manufacturing, based at Mortlach, Sask.,... Read More
Many are patiently (or not so patiently) awaiting hybrid wheat development. All varietal development requires investment, and hybridization is no different. Investment only occurs if there is a mechanism for cost recovery and return on investment. In many parts of the world, including Canada, royalties through a certified seed system are the only way to... Read More
Working on engineering an existing product sometimes makes it better, but can add a layer of complexity that requires more work and maintenance. In short, simple can sometimes be better, especially when it comes to upkeep and maintenance. With that in mind, Horsch Anderson recently rolled out its simplified, independent depth control drill — the... Read More
Purebred cattle breeders have relied on artificial insemination (AI) and estrus synchronization as a part of herd management for decades. That got me thinking — what’s stopping commercial breeders from doing the same? Time? Money? Aren't these reasons we should be considering AI? In June, Travis Peardon, regional livestock specialist with the Saskatchewan Ministry of... Read More
Unlike bertha armyworm, which is discussed here, diamondback moths are quite small and are carried on winds that come up from the south. This makes monitoring and scouting for the pest somewhat more difficult than others, as pests that overwinter have a more easily anticipated emergence timeline. Beyond monitoring, there are some very telling ways... Read More
For a bit of a change of pace, Shaun Haney and Anne Wasko sat down face to face for this edition of the Beef Market Update. Filmed at the International Livestock Congress held last week in Calgary, Alta., this Beef Market Update covers several good news topics in stark contrast to last year's discussion at... Read More
With high fusarium levels threatening the quality of this year's wheat crop, Peter Johnson, cereal specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food, is urging farmers to take the grain off early so as to minimize the growth and spread of the disease. That's all good and well, say farmers, but the crop is... Read More