Richardson’s ground squirrel damage has frustrated Saskatchewan farmers for years. Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Agriculture recently conducted a survey of farmers to better understand where Richardson’s ground squirrels are present, the methods producers use to deal with them, and which approaches are most effective. The online survey was conducted this past December and January. A total […] Read more
The ground squirrel survey says…
Saskatchewan has surveyed farmers to get a new read on Richardson’s ground squirrel populations and on-farm damage
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
Going, not gone: Some hot spots remain for midge
Recent low wheat midge counts no guarantee the problem won't return
Wheat midge populations on the Prairies have been declining for the past few years, but a researcher specializing in insect pests says farmers need to remain vigilant about the threat they pose to crops. “My advice (to farmers) is don’t turn your back on wheat midge, even if you are in a (low level) green […] Read more
Farm focus needed for eyes in the sky
An ag expert with NASA talks about why on-farm adoption of satellite imagery has lagged
Satellite imagery has potential to revolutionize agricultural management, but that isn’t likely to happen unless on-farm adoption rates increase, the head of a NASA-led consortium said during a recent event in Winnipeg. NASA Harvest executive director Alyssa Whitcraft told attendees at this year’s Canadian Crops Convention that use of satellite imagery has exploded in some […] Read more
Spraying facts, fallacies and forethought
Experts share tips on what you need to know before you spray
To spray or not to spray? That is the question many farmers will be asking themselves in the coming weeks. While it’s still too early to say what pest and disease forecasts will look like this season, it’s never too soon to start thinking about temperature and other factors that can help to determine the […] Read more
Machine learning may help get a leg up on blackleg
AI-backed research results may help growers better manage the risk of blackleg in canola crops
Results of a recent study by researchers in Manitoba and Alberta could help growers fight blackleg disease in canola more effectively. The study was done by a team of researchers at the University of Manitoba led by Dilantha Fernando, a professor in the school’s plant science department. They were joined by Michael Harding, a plant […] Read more
Leafhoppers remain a cause for concern
Aster yellows can quickly wipe out canola and other crops
Aster leafhoppers may be small but they pose a huge risk to canola and other crops on the Prairies. The aster leafhopper (Macrosteles quadrilineatus) typically measures 3.5 to six millimetres in length. It is straw-coloured and is sometimes referred to as the four-lined leafhopper because of the four dark lines on its forehead. While aster […] Read more
Canola’s least wanted
Experts discuss pests and pathogens canola growers will want to watch for in 2024
Flea beetles pose one of the greatest risks to yields for canola growers in Western Canada. A 2022 survey conducted on behalf of the Canola Council of Canada bore that out. Some 91 per cent of growers who participated in the survey identified flea beetles as the greatest economic risk to their crops. That’s likely […] Read more
Up for sale: First impressions count when selling farms
Rural real estate specialists offer advice if you're considering listing your farm
It’s been said you never get a second chance to make a good first impression. That’s especially true when it comes to selling the family farm, says a Manitoba real estate agent who specializes in farm property sales. Maurice Torr, a rural real estate expert with Century 21 Westman Realty in Brandon, says it’s important […] Read more
Make it drain: Is tile right for your fields?
A producer and an agrologist consider whether tile is worth your while
Tile drainage may be the best tool in the toolbox to manage saline soil in fields, a southwestern Manitoba farmer told an audience at the recent Ag Days farm show. Aaron Hargreaves, who co-owns Harwest Farms south of Brandon, said he and his four partners have struggled with soil salinity on their farm since they […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
