Can copper reduce ergot levels in wheat?

Can copper reduce ergot levels in wheat?

Q & A with Nutrien Ag Solutions

Q: Can the application of copper reduce ergot levels in wheat? A: Ergot is a worldwide disease that affects cereal crops such as wheat, barley, triticale, rye, and oats. Ergot is promoted in years with cool, damp weather conditions in late spring and early summer. When a crop is under stress, the flowering period is […] Read more

Is it possible to do a better job with less land?

Intercropping lets farmers do more with less

Intercropping helps farmers increase profits on fewer acres. Part 1 of a 2-part series

It’s interesting how many farmers adopting regenerative agricultural practices, like intercropping and cover crops, are either downsizing their operations, thinking about downsizing or have taken the pressure off in terms of looking for more high-priced land to expand (either to buy or rent). The three producers on a panel at an Intercropping Workshop in Brandon, […] Read more



Markus Stamm and his son, Simon, farm near Switzerland’s border with Germany, on the edge of the Black Forest. Harvest is their favourite time of year.

Meet your farming neighbours: Markus Stamm

Meet Markus Stamm. He may not live nearby, but his story is a lot like yours

Every farm has its own story. No two farms (or farmers) are exactly alike. Everyone got started in a different way, and every farm has a different combination of family and hired staff who make the decisions and keep things running. But, in general, even after you consider all of the details, farmers are more […] Read more


Plant stands on hill slopes and some hilltops were thin, while those in low-lying areas were thick and well established.

Crop advisor casebook: Why is this barley crop patchy in rectangular blocks?

A Crop Advisor's Solution from the February 5, 2019 issue of Grainews

Jim, a Saskatchewan farmer, was unhappy with the establishment of his barley crop — he had expected a more uniform stand. When he contacted me the first week of June last year, Jim said plant populations in some areas of the field were thin, while others were thick and lush. The plants, which were at […] Read more




Unless the U.S. ethanol industry is reborn to consume and offset the anticipated increase in corn production from extra seeded acres, there will be more feed corn available for sale and the closest market is western Canadian feedlots.

The impact of 2018’s big events on agriculture

Several developments in 2018 will impact the future, and grain markets, for years to come

Many things happened in 2018 that history may eventually define as the events that influenced a major shift in the course of history or world commerce. Here are some events I think fall into that realm. Global politics The battle of words and show of force between the U.S. and North Korea over nuclear armament. […] Read more


A Prairie farmer who pays provincial wheat and barley check-offs or ships grain by rail is already paying a de facto end point royalty for variety development in Western Canada.

Bring back the Western Canadian Deduction

Ensuring producer funding for variety development is fair, transparent and market driven

I attended the value creation meeting in Edmonton on December 6, 2018. I went as a farmer, seed grower and a person deeply interested in the policies that shape the success of the cropping industry in Western Canada. As a professional writer, I am used to reporting what other people have to say about an […] Read more

Producer contributions to variety development

After reading through numerous consultation reports and reviewing expenditures in the annual reports of producer organizations I have come to two conclusions: producers have and continue to make significant contributions to variety development and it’s very difficult to pin down the exact amount they contribute through various channels including royalties, check-off dollars that go to […] Read more