Farmers in Alberta and Saskatchewan could see grasshopper infestations this year. But before spraying, make sure the hoppers in your crop are actually pests
Of the 80 grasshopper species on the prairies, only a few are pests. Some non-pests will eat weeds, including kochia, Russian thistle, and ragweed. The two-striped, Packard’s, lesser migratory and clear-winged grasshoppers are the most common grasshopper pests on the Prairies. “If it’s flying in the spring, it’s not a major pest species. If it’s […] Read moreNot all grasshoppers are pests
Beef producers need to tune into consumers
With the percentage of income spent on food having dropped steadily for several years, farmers may be tempted to convince consumers it’s time to pay more for groceries. But Brenda Schoepp, an Alberta-based market strategist and beef producer, doesn’t think that’s necessarily a good idea. Schoepp, who operates a consulting service BEEFLINK (www.beeflink.com) says the beef industry needs to catch up […] Read more
Variable rate fungicide
Variable rate fungicide is a perfect fit for diseases like sclerotinia in canola, says an agronomist. “The heavier the canopy, the heavier the risk of disease development that you’ve got, versus the areas of the field where we’ve got variability, where the stand is thinner for different reasons,” says Craig Shand, an agronomist with Farmers Edge at Cremona, Alta. […] Read more
The value of micronutrient seed dressings
Micronutrient seed dressings are relatively new in Western Canada. Retailers generally don’t claim that these products will increase yield, but they may add value for some farmers
Micronutrient seed dressings, already well established in the U.S., are starting to appear on our side of the border. Unlike traditional seed treatments designed to combat plant disease, seed dressings are claimed to boost returns — if not necessarily yields — by promoting better emergence and seedling vigour. One product has received official CFIA registration. Other products […] Read moreWatch for downy mildew in sunflowers
Sunflower growers should watch out for downy mildew, especially if spring conditions are favourable for the disease
A 2011 survey of Manitoba’s sunflower fields found downy mildew present in nine out of 11 fields surveyed. “Last year was a bit of a heavy downy mildew year because of the fact that the spring was very wet. The downy mildew in general for sunflower is favoured by wet soil and temperatures around 15 C to […] Read moreNew sea buckthorn variety
Sea buckthorn berries are brimming with vitamins, along with high levels of beta carotene, omega-3 oils, and flavonoids. The fruit can be found in a range of food and skin care products in health food stores. The plant is drought hardy and resistant to diseases and pests, making it a tempting option for fruit growers […] Read more
Young farmer has a passion for the business
Jeff Prosko jokes that he’s been farming since he could drive a tractor. When he was 16, his father made him responsible for the crop on one quarter section. In the 11 years since, Prosko has worked off the farm and attended the University of Saskatchewan. After earning his diploma in agriculture in 2005, Prosko […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
