AAFC’s Breanne Tidemann says kochia (seen here) appears to be spreading to areas of Alberta where it wasn’t seen previously.

Into the weeds: 2024 in preview

Prairie specialists consider which weeds are most likely to succeed as the season proceeds

The past few seasons have been a challenging time for farmers on the Canadian Prairies. Extreme heat, lack of precipitation and steep increases in production costs have caused some sleepless nights for many producers. As if those weren’t enough to contend with, another potential threat to crops will soon rear its ugly head: weeds. Grainews […] Read more

How many ounces do you get in a pint? That depends on where you are — or, at least, where your pint glass came from.

The facts we stumble over

Why the frost on your windshield didn't kill your crop, and other nuggets of wisdom

When I undertook field research trials in Alberta in the 1970s on fungicides and insecticides for disease and insect control, I was often stymied by the Imperial (Canadian), U.S. and metric measurement systems. While the metric system was fairly straightforward and in its Canadian infancy, I had a hard time reconciling U.S. and Canadian measurement […] Read more


Farm equipment built for sale into markets outside of North America will not likely conform to engineering standards here. Importing these machines may cost producers much more than they expected over the long term.

Shop in ‘grey market’ at your own risk

Importing machines built for sale outside North America not advisable, Farmers’ Advocate says

Several years ago, my neighbour sold his farm to a Dutch farmer who wanted to move his operation to Canada. That immigrating farmer brought much of his European equipment with him when he arrived. It was a kind of novelty to see an unfamiliar tractor design working in a Canadian field. However, despite the fact […] Read more

The process of farmer consultation on new equipment starts long before any metal is welded together.

Understanding farmers’ equipment needs

As the pace picks up on advancements in technology, consulting customers for their feedback becomes more important

A few years ago, I was invited to attend an R&D facility to test-drive a prototype version of an MFWD tractor with a CVT transmission — then I was asked to give my impressions of what I liked or didn’t like. It was interesting to participate in the early evaluation of a new tractor. Prototype […] Read more



Planting perennial forages in ditches is recommended to help keep kochia from getting a toehold.

Weed alerts on the southern front

A North Dakota weed expert cautions Prairie farmers about kochia, waterhemp and Palmer amaranth and their evolving herbicide tolerances

Of all the things shared by Prairie farmers on both sides of the Canada-U.S. border, an abiding love of their land, fretting over the weather and a no-nonsense, ‘get ‘er done’ attitude are among those that come to mind. Unfortunately, this also includes weed problems. Weeds know no borders, of course, so when weed trouble […] Read more


VIDEO: Precision upgrades for Deere tractors and sprayers 

VIDEO: Precision upgrades for Deere tractors and sprayers 

Tech options aimed at injecting new life into older machines

If you’re not quite ready to pony up for a new John Deere, the brand’s line of precision hardware may be a nice fit to access some of its newer technology features. Deere’s precision upgrade line offers some of the latest receivers, displays, and modems at an affordable price to get more out of your […] Read more

The use of drones to deliver field pesticides, such as in this illustration, has an uphill road ahead, not just in terms of regulation but in technical development.

Don’t hold your breath for a drone sprayer

The dynamics of spraying via drone are complex and unforgiving — as are regulations

Glacier FarmMedia — Precision agriculture has simplified many on-farm practices and procedures, particularly in the past five years as seen in the rush to automate tractors, planters and weed management systems. But those are two-dimensional applications, and although those can go awry and complicate a grower’s plans, adding a third dimension — in the air […] Read more


More parts and components are now being stocked on site, as a lack of products caused major disruptions during the pandemic.

Supply chain chaos eases at parts counter

Shortages are now fewer on many, but not all, components

Glacier FarmMedia — Manufacturers of ag equipment and some agricultural dealers in Canada have changed their practices because of the COVID-19 pandemic. They are now stocking more parts and components on site because a lack of products caused major disruptions during the pandemic. “I know it can be a challenge for producers, dealers and manufacturers […] Read more

VIDEO: New Massey sprayer gets ‘logical’

VIDEO: New Massey sprayer gets ‘logical’

Massey Ferguson had its latest sprayer offering, the 500R, on full display at the National Farm Machinery Show earlier this month. The new 500R series sprayers come in two models: the 525R with 212 hp and a 740 gallon tank (2,800 litres) and a 530R at 235 hp and a 860 gallon tank (3,255 litres). […] Read more