COOL: Is it good or bad for beef?

The World Trade Organ-ization ruled a few weeks ago the U.S. broke international trade rules when it implemented country-of-origin labelling (COOL) on food products. The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association was one of the main challengers of COOL on behalf of the cattle industry. Arguments against the law made by producer groups stated this was a technical […] Read more

Seed Nutrition – Seed Covers

Evidence is accumulating to show that the nutrient reserve within or placed directly on a seed greatly affects a seedling’s ability to withstand various environmental stresses; that seeds containing low reserves of zinc, manganese and copper have lower resistance to root pathogens, water stress, cold temperatures and acidic soil conditions; and, that the most important […] Read more


Selling the farm

A couple we’ll call Jack (55) and Susie (60) have farmed in western Manitoba for most of their lives. They have 640 acres in their own names and farm 2,360 acres their parents owned or that they have rented. When Jack’s father died 10 years ago, the farm was in jeopardy. Dad had not updated his will for 20 years. The document was basic. His wife would receive everything and […] Read more

Needed: watershed maps

The first extension meeting I remember was for a Watershed Co-op south of Birch Hills, Sask. The Watershed Co-ops were formed so farmers could work together to reduce runoff and the erosion that went with it. It is great to see work once again being organized on a watershed basis. This time around, the focus […] Read more


Off-patent fungicide approved

Off-patent ag chemical maker Mana Canada has picked up federal approval for a foliar fungicide’s use against sclerotinia stem rot and alternaria black spot in canola. Mana Canada, the Canadian arm of Israeli chemical firm Makhteshim Agan, announced the registration of Overall 240 SC, a Group 2 dicarboximide fungicide with the active ingredient iprodione, found also in FMC’s Rovral […] Read more

New OcTTain XL herbicide

Cereal growers in the brown soil zone of Western Canada now have another option for broadleaf weed control with the registration of the new post-emergent herbicide OcTTain XL. OcTTain XL is a co-formulation of Group 4 actives fluroxypyr and 2,4-D, registered for use on all varieties of spring wheat, durum wheat and spring barley. With no mixing required, […] Read more


BASF Canada simplifies Clearfield lentil process

Farmers can now sign a three-year Clearfield Commitment for lentils beginning in 2012. The Clearfield Commitment for lentils is an agreement between a Clearfield lentil grower and BASF Canada. Clearfield lentil growers must complete and sign a Clearfield Commitment for lentils, which can be done at their Clearfield lentil herbicide retailer, their Clearfield lentil seed seller or online at BASF’s […] Read more

Secure your farm. Secure your safety

Time was, nobody locked doors or sheds or trucks on the farm. You didn’t have to. But now farm security is a major issue. Corporal Miles Hiebert is with the RCMP in Manitoba. He says “It’s really important to secure your farm ­­— homes home, sheds, barns, and shops. Particularly because it’s very likely that your neighbours […] Read more


Deere takes MacDon windrowers global

Farm equipment maker MacDon Industries will be the manufacturer for several lines of self-propelled windrowers and mower conditioners to be sold worldwide under John Deere paint. U.S.-based ag and heavy equipment giant Deere and Co. announced a “strategic agreement” with Winnipeg-based MacDon, allowing Deere to expand its hay and forage product portfolio globally. More details about the availability of products coming out of this agreement […] Read more

Editor’s column

When I ran into Saskatchewan farmer Brad Eggum at the Crop Production Show in Saskatoon he was hoarse after two days of working a seed booth at the show. “Everyone wants to talk about soybeans,” he said, barely able to talk. Lots of Prairie farmers are looking to try their luck with soybeans in 2012. […] Read more