Here's what I've been stewing about for the past few weeks. Why is it that organic farmers or producer organizations (and random celebrities, but that's another post) vilify conventional agriculture? Ever notice that conventional-management farmers don't do the same? Case in point: I'm sure by now you've heard or read about the completely de-bunked GMO/lab... Read More
Category: Western Canada
Dormancy or hard seed counts in peas is not a new phenomenon, but, interestingly, pea germination samples last year and again this year have had higher than usual hard seed counts. Hard seed is seed that has an impermeable seed coat — the seed is impermeable to water or the exchange of gases that occur... Read More
It's no secret that Manitoba farmers have embraced soybeans — in just 10 years the crop has gone from an experiment to topping 800,000 acres in 2012. Once only suited to the rich soil and hot days of the Red River Valley, soybeans are now grown as far north as Arborg, east to Beausejour and... Read More
Do you remember the time before the world was saturated with information? Do you remember having to wait to get it? We have so many avenues to get our information by now that our biggest issue is where we get our information from. When we look at consumer attitudes toward agriculture, good or bad, we... Read More
Whatever your reason for planting a cover crop — for ground cover, for grazing or putting up feed or for N capture — there's a long list of options. Add in the choice of a second, third or more species and the combinations are endless. Planting two or more species may provide expanded options for... Read More
Ah, October — when farmers' thoughts turn to fall field work, turkey dinners and canola seed. 2012 was a tough year for the oilseed, there's no doubt, but a difficult growing season can really highlight the strengths and weaknesses in your canola seed genetics. While some will stick with the tried and true, others are... Read More
It's no surprise that the fertilizer markets have cooled off this fall, but those farmers shopping for a deal may not want to wait too long to pre-buy. Record prices for corn and soy will definitely pressure prices in to the new growing season, and international buyers are out shopping. Remi Schmaltz, general manager of... Read More
When we consider the effects of dry weather, we tend to think mostly about germination and seeding, but the effects of prolonged dry conditions reach into other areas we may not consider. One of those secondary areas includes fall fertilizer application, in particular, anhydrous ammonia. While the Thanksgiving weekend finally delivered some much needed moisture... Read More
Assuming that CFIA will eventually allow the Lakeside plant to re-open, many producers and industry insiders are discussing some of the challenges that XL Foods faces in re-establishing sales with customers around Canada, the United States and the rest of the world. There are few that know more than Ted Haney about selling beef around... Read More
I've spent quite a bit of time in harvested canola fields this fall. It might be because canola started coming off in late August or that there were so many acres this year that almost every second field is canola stubble, but whatever the reason, I've noticed most fields have a few things in common.... Read More