For farmers who practice low-till or no-till, residue management is essential. “We’re leaving a lot more residue on the field and that residue brings some benefits because it traps moisture and reduces erosion,” explains Trevor Thiessen, president and co-owner of Redekop Manufacturing in Saskatoon. “If straw is not chopped finely and spread evenly, it can […] Read more
Residue management innovations from Redekop, New Holland, Case IH
The latest straw chopper technologies offer increased spreader widths, finer cuts, more efficiencies and in-cab controls
Emerging sprayer technologies
Drone and intelligent sprayers improve accuracy, efficiency and reduce costs
Self-propelled (high clearance) sprayers with low-drift nozzles might be the norm on farms across North America but emerging technologies are expected to change how crop protection products are applied. “Our farms are growing, our use of crop protection agents is growing and we have a labour shortage,” says Tom Wolf, a sprayer expert and scientist […] Read more
The Nozzle Guy’s three tips for optimal sprayer tank cleanout
Take these simple measures to protect your crop’s health
Cleaning the sprayer tank might not be your favourite farm chore but it is essential for the health of your crops and the longevity of your equipment. “[Sprayer tank cleanout] is a challenge because residues can create harm in subsequent crops,” explains Tom Wolf (also known as The Nozzle Guy), a sprayer expert with Saskatoon-based […] Read more
The Nozzle Guy’s top five spray nozzle picks
Tom Wolf’s go-to nozzles are low pressure and low drift
Tom Wolf knows a lot about nozzles. Wolf, also known as The Nozzle Guy, is a sprayer expert and scientist at Saskatoon-based Agrimetrix Research and Training. His go-to nozzles are low pressure and low drift. “In the last 25 years since these kinds of nozzles appeared on the market, researchers have taken it upon themselves […] Read more
More robotic weeder field trials to take place in Quebec, commercial release 2021
The R2-Weed2 removed or killed 90 per cent of weeds during growing season
Weeds can take over farm fields and lead to significant crop losses. Without adequate control, crop yields could decline up to 50 per cent in corn and soybean fields across the United States and Canada, resulting in US$43 billion in economic losses, according to data from the Weed Science Society of America. Additionally, controlling weeds […] Read more
John Deere introduces new C650 air cart
The new model fills fast, calibrates easily and provides consistent product delivery
Small-grains producers and custom growers have a new option for air carts. John Deere announced it has added the C650 Air Cart to its lineup of air seeding equipment. Until now, producers had to choose from John Deere’s 550- or 850-bushel air carts, leaving a gap in the market for those who needed an in-between […] Read more
Case IH debuts two new air cart models
The 725- and 915-bushel air carts give growers more flexibility than ever
A lot has changed since Case IH introduced its first air cart in 2016. The global equipment manufacturer has upgraded several features and added new configurations to its next-generation line of air carts. The 2021 models feature individual tank weight scales and curve compensation to help producers make every seed count, according to Trent Nowosad, […] Read more
No farmworkers? No problem
Autonomous equipment is making it easier for farmers to do more with less labour
Rob Saik believes farmers shouldn’t have to spend hours sitting in their tractors. “We have the most skilled operators trapped in a glass cage for days on end,” he says. Saik, CEO of DOT Technology Corporation, is at the forefront of the movement toward autonomous tractors. The Regina-based startup created a U-shaped platform that attaches […] Read more
5G could be a game changer for farmers
Improved access to rural broadband could reduce costs and increase productivity
Bill Campbell still does yield mapping with a pen and paper. The principal operator of Campbell Land and Cattle would like to use precision agriculture to monitor moisture levels, make decisions about inputs and improve yields on his fields of wheat, barley, oats, canola, flax, corn and pulses but broadband access on his Minto, Manitoba, […] Read more
First tractor wins CES tech honour
John Deere makes history as first tractor earns coveted honour at the electronics expo
The annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas is known for showcasing some of the hottest high-tech tools from innovative companies across the globe. Several of the products that took home top honours in the 2020 Innovation Awards categories were conceptual or not available on the mass market and most were small enough to tuck […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
