The name is pretty, but the impact of the disease Aster Yellows on Western Canadian crops this year could be ugly, says one plant pathologist estimating crop yield losses will run into the billions of dollars. The disease, which usually appears as a yellow discoloring of leaves, is often around in lose doses, but […] Read more
Aster yellows could nail 10% of prairie crop yields – Management plan needed
She’s dry in the Peace folks, but still lovely
Any second-cut alfalfa that looks “not too bad” on baked soil, after a hot, dry summer with only about three inches of rain since June is worthy of a second look. If you’re looking for an alfalfa that grows well in concrete buy the variety “Vision” marketed by Pickseed. Just imagine what it would do […] Read more
Need a career change? New scenery? Ever been to Moscow?
If you are an agrologist with experience with pasture, have I got a job for you. Okay, it may be in Moscow, but it is still a great opportunity. This is like one of those “a friend, of a friend, of a friend” stories, but word recently came through the email grapevine, that a company […] Read more
Here’s hoping 4-H minds may have food solution
While a lot of households struggle during the week just to figure out what to make for dinner tonight, 4-H Canada, Bayer Crop Science, and Olds College in Alberta are teaming up to figure out how to feed nine billion people over the coming decades. The Youth Ag Summit – organized by 4-H and sponsored […] Read more
Double whammy needed for parasite control in beef cattle
Cow/calf producers may have thought they were out of the woods on this one, but research in the U.S. and a bit in Canada is showing that the single pour-on/ivomec-type treatment may no longer being effective in controlling parasites. Just like grain and oilseed growers who are running into problems with herbicide resistant weeds, the […] Read more
In search of the perfect steak
I recently learned a good steak doesn’t just jump onto your barbecue. I was down in Granum in southern Alberta recently for the weekend and was looking for a nice steak for an evening barbecue with friends. There are two grocery stores in nearby Fort Macleod and I am sure their meat is excellent, but […] Read more
10 tips for leaving Farm Progress Show fat, tired and broke
My philosophy with farm shows is to go early, stay late, and look at every booth and display there is. That is my philosophy. The reality is I am usually tired, sore and hungry by 11 a.m., looking for someplace to sit down, and alarmed that I have only seen about one per cent of […] Read more
Early ration critical for bulls
Anyone keeping bull calves for breeding stock needs to pay attention to proper nutrition early in the calf’s life, says an Agriculture Canada researcher in Lethbridge. John Kastelic says research at the centre shows calves on a higher protein and energy ration in the first six months of life have larger scrotal circumference and higher […] Read more
Crop pests on farmers’ radars
Farmers are always watchful, but insect damage in crops depends heavily on growing season conditions, and also where you farm
Prairie farmers aren’t expecting a major outbreak of any new crop pests this coming growing season, but those contacted for the May Farmer Panel say they need to be vigilant with seed treatments and prepared for in-crop insecticide applications as the situation warrants. Flea beetles on canola, wireworm in cereals, and seasonal outbreaks of bertha […] Read moreGrainews Tea will double yields, and cure all
Now that no one is enforcing those pesky fertilizer regulations, boy do I have a good product for you. I have mentioned it before. It is called the Grainews Tea and does it ever work great to increase crop yield by 40 per cent, quality by two grades, and also has been shown to have […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
