Manure is a very valuable source of a full spectrum of nutrients like nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and sulphur (S) as well as a range of micronutrients. Manure, especially in solid forms, also contains organic matter which can improve the structure, aeration and water holding capacity of soil. It most certainly has drawbacks […] Read more
Science Catches Up To Manure
Midge Tolerant Wheat Varieties Maintain Grade, Reduce Costs
Midge tolerant wheat varieties were commercially available for the first time in 2010, but some farmers who tried them wanted to be safe rather than sorry and applied a pesticide anyway. Although it’s easy to understand the sentiment, spraying really isn’t necessary, says Todd Hyra, western business manager with SeCan. Spraying is only worthwhile if […] Read more
Eight tips for growing perfect oats
High yields and good milling quality are what most oat producers strive for, and achieving these goals may depend on where they are grown and under what kind of production system. Soil and environmental conditions definitely have an impact on seeding rates and timing, which are all important factors in the quest for a perfect […] Read more
Scout Early For Stripe Rust
Stripe rust, which can affect both wheat and barley crops, generally arrives in Canada on wind currents from the southern U.S. states and the Pacific Northwest. Some research out of Alberta is also showing that inoculum from the disease is able to overwinter and may be contributing to more severe outbreaks in that region. Also […] Read more
Start With Nutritionally Complete Seed
Performing a germination test on a seed lot is relatively common prior to seeding season, and vigour tests are gaining popularity. But what about a nutrition test for seed? Seed quality sets up a crop for the entire season; using seed deficient in one or several nutrients could lead to poor emergence and vigour. “With […] Read more
Five Ways To Achieve Malt Quality
Every season, barley growers lose a lot of sleep over whether their crop will make malting. But plant scientists say increasing your odds of success is possible, it just takes some extra attention and management. SEED EARLY It’s tempting to delay seeding barley because it tends to mature faster than wheat or canola, but research […] Read more
Which Should I Aim For — Max Yield Or High Protein?
As wheat yields go up, protein levels tend to go down. That’s a well-known fact, but is there is anything you can do to have both? The answer is a qualified yes, but whether farmers can “push” protein content remains a subject of much debate. The only option for achieving higher protein and milling quality […] Read more
How Sober Is Your Canola?
The same technology and equipment used to nab drunk drivers may soon be able to tell you the vigour potential of your canola seed. New tools for measuring seed vigour in canola have been developed at Agriculture and Agri- Food Canada’s (AAFC) Brandon Research Centre. “We have developed several new methods of testing the seed […] Read more
Technology Boosts Dairy Efficiency
Chores had become, well, a “chore” for Rick Mangin and his brother, Florent until 2004, when their investment in a new dairy barn allowed them to double production with the same manpower. “It was a pleasure doing chores again,” says Rick. “We used to milk 50 cows and with all the chores it would take […] Read more
Winter Wheat Acres Dwindling
CROP SELECTION Although winter wheat plantings took a small spike upwards over last year, overall acres continue to decline across the prairies, especially in Manitoba. Statistics Canada reports a total of 695,000 acres were seeded in the fall of 2010, which still falls far short of the 1.21 million acres planted in 2008. Winter wheat […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
