What's the difference between weeds and a cover crop? You'll have to listen on to this week's episode of Wheat Pete's Word for the punchline. Listen below or download for later and hear host Peter Johnson who can't believe the beans are turning already, wants to make Hay West happen, and talks clover success and... Read More
Category: Crop Production
A recent decision by the federal government to put the brakes on any maximum residue limit (MRL) reviews until the spring of 2022 has politicized what should be a non-partisan, science-based regulatory process, says Pierre Petelle. President and CEO of CropLife Canada, Petelle says that it's somewhat surprising to see the government's stance and language... Read More
Lygus bugs attack several broadleaf crops, including alfalfa, flax, faba beans, lentils, and canola. They are a pest of concern that have been a focus for Hector Carcamo, research scientist at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge, Alta. He joins Kara Oosterhuis for this Canola School episode to talk about lygus bug species, the conditions they... Read More
Extremely dry conditions in Western Canada have challenged growers at every turn. Now, assessing soil nutrient levels and preparing for next year's crop is proving difficult, as excessively dry conditions challenge nutrient cycling and mineralization and soil sampling. In the east, a relatively early wheat harvest offers opportunity for cover crops and plenty of time... Read More
Bale moisture probes are great once a bale is made, but trying to determine moisture of a hay swath is another challenge entirely. Most methods — including drying down a sample and doing some quick math — still take more time than is ideal, especially if hay is drying quickly and is intended as ensiled... Read More
John Deere is set to acquire Bear Flag Robotics for US$250 million. The startup develops autonomous driving technology compatible with existing machines. "Deere views autonomy as an important step forward in enabling farmers to leverage their resources strategically to feed the world and create more sustainable and profitable operations," says Jahmy Hindman, chief technology officer... Read More
Feeding livestock means being aware of what nasty toxins may lurk in feed. From listeria, to DON, to ergot, several plant disease or soil-borne issues can end up in a final feed source. When issues arise, farmers and ranchers depend on testing and industry guidelines to know how much can safely be fed in a... Read More
The federal government says it has committed $100 million through the AgriRecovery disaster relief framework to helping farmers affected by drought in Western Canada and parts of Ontario. The government says it's still working with provincial governments of B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario to finalize the details of how payments will work, but sources... Read More
The federal government has announced what it calls a "pause" on proposed increases to maximum residue limits (MRLs) on food crops. As a result, there will be no updates to MRLs until at least spring 2022. The pause applies to all MRLs, but the government's own communications single out glyphosate as one product whose MRL... Read More
It's hot and it's excessively dry. Every year we seem to have this conversation about fire safety at harvest, but I think this year especially, it's crucial that we are having the discussion. I am no expert at this topic, however, a recent grass fire half a mile from my house — that got lucky... Read More