There is perhaps no bigger challenge for an agronomist than having a tough but frank conversation with a farmer client. You won’t get any argument on that count from Ron Tone. He founded Tone Ag Consulting in 1996, following a 17-year career as a farmer. His independent agricultural consulting firm specializes in damage claims, crop […] Read more
Having those tough conversations
A veteran agronomist, speaking at the recent Manitoba Agronomists Conference, offers advice on how to handle difficult discussions with clients
On-farm trials and errors
Trials that don’t produce positive results on your farm can be just as valuable as those that do
On-farm trials play an important role in translating the results of scientific research into knowledge that producers can use, according to a panel discussion at CropConnect in Winnipeg.
Grasshopper threat remains for Saskatchewan crops
Hot, dry conditions in mid- to late summer and well into fall were ideal for egg laying
Grasshoppers didn’t pose a serious threat to crops in most parts of Saskatchewan in 2024 — but a leading entomologist warned growers attending the recent Saskatchewan Agronomy Update conference not to be lulled into a false sense of security about the threat they could present this coming season. James Tansey, an insect pest management specialist […] Read more
Attend against aphids
Multiplication won’t take long, so if you see just a few, keep checking
Aphids may be nearly invisible to the untrained eye, but a research scientist who specializes in crop-destroying insects warns Saskatchewan farmers not to turn their backs on the tiny, pear-shaped pests. Tyler Wist, a field crops entomologist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Saskatoon, spoke about the threat aphids can pose to some crops at the […] Read more
New tools could speed up development of cereal varieties
Selection is a business of evaluation, identification — and yes, rejection
When it comes to developing new varieties of cereal crops, the focus of those efforts can be as much about what doesn’t work as what does, says one breeding expert. Francois Eudes is the director of research, development and technology for the science and technology branch at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) at Lethbridge. As […] Read more
What the weed seed smasher survey says
Farmers share insights from working with weed seed control technology
A recent study conducted by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada provides a glimpse into why some Canadian producers are using harvest weed seed control, the effectiveness of the technology and some of the challenges associated with it. The 49-question online survey was conducted between the spring and fall of 2023. A total of 10 producers from […] Read more
How rain posed mixed blessings for this year’s corn
In the early-season moisture, corn plants' roots didn't bother to dig deep
Some Manitoba corn growers could be feeling a little more anxious than usual in the weeks ahead as they prepare for harvest. Many southern portions of the province received above-average rainfall amounts this spring, which has turned out to be a mixed blessing for corn producers in the region. While those rains helped promote early […] Read more
Soil health training served on TAP for Prairie agronomists
North Dakota's Trusted Advisor Partnership (TAP) program coming north to Manitoba, Saskatchewan
A program designed to provide agronomists with practical soil health knowledge — and a peer sharing network on the subject — will soon be establishing roots in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. The Canadian Prairies Trusted Advisor Partnership (TAP) plans to launch its first cohort of about 15 agronomists in January 2025. It will serve as a […] Read more
Changing weather, changing varieties
With growing conditions in flux, adaptability is a consideration for soybean developers
Climate change has had a huge impact on farm operations in Western Canada for some time. Those shifting temperatures and weather patterns are also playing a key role in how future varieties are being developed. Grainews recently spoke with several prominent seed companies about new soybean varieties they have in the development pipeline and the […] Read more
Pipeline offers promise
Some of the country’s leading canola seed companies discuss what comes next — and what’s driving those decisions
A wise man once said the times change and if you don’t change with them you get left behind. While he likely wasn’t talking about canola, the industry’s ability to change with the times has been a key factor in its continued success in this country. It’s been estimated Canada’s canola value chain generates around […] Read more
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