Callum Morrison taking soil moisture readings using a soil moisture probe in one of the long-term cover crop research plots at the University of Manitoba’s Ian N. Morrison Research Farm in Carman, Man. These plots, along with plots at the University of Manitoba’s Glenlea Research Station in Glenlea, Man., are part of a field trial that has a four-year rotation with cover crops and the same four-year rotation without cover crops.

Cover cropping on the Prairies

A farmer survey shows many producers are growing cover crops successfully, but more agronomic knowledge and supports are needed

Climatic constraints such as a short growing season or too little fall moisture are often given as reasons why cover cropping may not be a great fit for the Canadian Prairies. A recent farmer survey, though, shows many western Canadian producers are making cover crops work, and are benefitting in ways you may not have […] Read more

This photo is of a wheat plant at growth stage 31, which is generally the best time to apply a plant growth regulator to a cereal crop.

Application timing of PGRs

When to use PGRs and application guidelines

It’s said timing is everything and that is especially true when it comes to the use of plant growth regulators. Plant growth regulators (PGRs) are hormone-based compounds used primarily as a harvest management aid to modify plant growth and development. They help produce plants with shorter, thicker and stronger stems and reduce the risk of […] Read more



A University of Saskatchewan researcher conducting phosphorus fertilization trials near Central Butte in 2021.

Phosphorus fertility studies reveal best placement

Proper placement of phosphorus fertilizer is crucial to meet the nutritional needs of plants

Like most Canadians these days, farmers are looking to get the most bang for their bucks. That’s especially true when it comes to applying phosphorus fertilizers to their fields. Jeff Schoenau, a professor of soil fertility at the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) and chair of soil nutrient management for the Saskatchewan Ministry of […] Read more


Precision AI’s drone is powered by a hybrid gasoline-electric engine, which provides up to two hours of flight time.

Green-on-green tech prepares for airborne launch

A Saskatchewan-based startup is testing precision drone spraying on the Prairies this spring, but there’s no word yet on a regulatory framework to allow full commercialization

There are a growing number of options for green-on-green herbicide spray application technologies available to farmers. Companies like John Deere, BASF and Bilberry are using artificial intelligence and advanced computer vision to develop green-on-green spot sprayers, some of them capable of functioning autonomously. What about an autonomous, green-on-green spot sprayer that flies? It might sound […] Read more

A senior manager for the Alberta Wheat and Barley Commissions, says the PMRA ruling that lambda-cyhalothrin can’t be used on crops for livestock feed is unworkable.

How to manage without lambda-cyhalothrin in 2023

Alternatives to control most insect pests exist but attention to label recommendations, product rates and timing is important

As of mid-February, if western Canadian farmers want to control common crop insect pests such as grasshoppers and flea beetles in 2023, they should plan to do it without the use of popular lambda-cyhalothrin products such as Matador and Silencer. Those products and others based on the lambda-cy active ingredient aren’t banned, but Health Canada’s […] Read more


(Dave Bedard photo)

AAFC revises crop estimates

Export, new-crop production outlooks revised lower for flax

MarketsFarm — Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) on Friday released its February supply and demand estimates with numerous small changes. AAFC held its projections for 2022-23 grains and oilseeds production at 89.489 million tonnes. As for exports, the department reduced them from 45.715 million tonnes last month to now 45.49 million. Furthermore, domestic usage was […] Read more

“It just makes tracking your inventory and your contracts a lot easier... I don’t have to spend days on the computer entering contracts and doing spreadsheets.” – Sean Edwards.

New tool for grain marketing at your fingertips

Combyne marketing app built for grain producers

A new software system developed by a Canadian tech firm promises to make grain marketing easier and more efficient for farmers across the country. Combyne was developed by Alain Goubau and his Ontario-based company, Combyne Ag. It was released to the public in November 2021 and is available for mobile devices and computer desktop use. […] Read more


File photo of a flax field in Russia. (Ukususha/iStock/Getty Images)

Price drop not enough to lift demand for Canadian flax

Russia, Kazakhstan competitive in export markets

MarketsFarm — While flax prices in Western Canada have fallen by at least half from what they were one year ago, they are still too high to be competitive on a global level, according to one flax processor. Mike Popowich, owner and vice-president of TA Foods Ltd. at Yorkton, Sask., said demand for the crop […] Read more

Dry alfalfa and straw bales are loaded into the Kuhn Side Slinger manure spreader, which doubles as a mixer wagon. The hay and straw will serve as biomass for the compost.

Build your own bioreactor

Regenerative Ag: A farmer puts his homegrown biological fertilizer to work in his fields to improve soil health and crop quality and save on input costs

Former Saskatchewan farmer Franck Groeneweg will be heading out to his Montana grain fields this spring to apply a biological fertilizer made on his farm. Over the past three growing seasons, it appears this liquid compost extract helps to maintain crop yields while making it possible for him to significantly reduce chemical fertilizer rates. It […] Read more