Growing alfalfa for seed can require intensive management, but can be rewarding. Learn the basics of alfalfa seed production
Many alfalfa seed growers raise their own leafcutter bees to pollinate their crops and earn some extra cash
While not all barley growers are aiming their product at the malt market, if you are, here are some agronomic tips to help you make the grade
For many farmers, barley is a good crop choice to include in their rotation, but the standards for malting quality are understandably high. Dr. John O’Donovan, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) research scientist, notes that “only about 20 to 25 per cent of the barley in Western Canada is accepted for malting every year.” Farmers […] Read moreIf you’re targeting the malt market, find out what your buyers want and what they’re planning to do with it
At malting companies like Rahr Malting, all of their contract with barley growers require barley samples to be prequalified as malting quality. With certain contracts, storage payments will be provided if they don’t take the barley immediately, though the amount of time the farmer holds the grain is negotiable. It is rare that farmers would […] Read morePlants can’t always use the phosphorus in your soil. Here are six factors that determine available levels
Most soils on the Canadian prairies are phosphorus deficient — 80 per cent of the fields in Saskatchewan, according to Dr. Don Flaten, soil science professor at the University of Manitoba. In Manitoba, 60 per cent of fields were found to be lacking in phosphorus; 50 per cent in Alberta. There are two major causes […] Read more
Grainews is written for farmers and often by farmers. It is about putting theory into practice on the farm. Each issue also features Cattleman’s Corner for cow-calf producers and farmers with mixed cattle and grain operations.
