*[UPDATED MAR. 19, 2018] Farmers face a fertilizer dilemma each spring. The current safe rate for phosphorus in canola is 17 to 22 kilograms per hectare (15.2 to 19.6 pounds per acre). With good moisture, the recommendation goes up to 28 kg/ha (or 25.0 lb./ac.). But canola typically removes more phosphorus than the recommended safe […] Read more
New phosphorus research for canola on the way
Canola removes more phosphorus from the ground than the recommended safe rate
In-crop mechanical weed control
Controlling weeds mechanically can help overcome Group 2 resistant weeds in pulses
Group 2 resistant weeds are an annual problem for lentil producers. But there are a few outside-the-box methods that may give farmers better control than herbicide alone. University of Saskatchewan grad student Alex Alba led a study looking at three in-crop mechanical weed control methods, including: Tine harrows; Rotary hoe; and, Inter-row tillage. Alba used […] Read more
Testing the calcium response
Cavalier Agrow is running field trials to test the agronomics of calcium
An independent ag retailer in northwest Saskatchewan is examining the agronomics of applying calcium. So far they’ve found the best yield response and economic return in the most calcium-deficient soils. “As those calcium levels went up — no surprise — our returns came down,” said Greg Frey, location manager for Cavalier Agrow near Meota, Sask. […] Read more
Reporter’s Notebook: The other side of ranching
A new book focuses on the role of women in Alberta’s ranching history
In a recent column on clubroot, I suggested that Sask Crop Insurance look at a carrot-and-stick policy to crop rotations in the province. Later, I was a little worried some might interpret that part of the column as me shaking my finger at farmers with tight rotations. That wasn’t my intention. There are plenty of […] Read more
Meet your farming neighbours: Devon Walker
Devon Walker left an off-farm job to go all in on his fourth-generation family farm
Every farm has its own story. No two farms (or farmers) are exactly alike. Everyone got started in a different way, and every farm has a different combination of family and hired staff who make the decisions and keep things running. But, in general, even after you consider all of the details, Prairie farmers are […] Read more
Seed growers keep their eyes on the future
For the Herle family near Wilkie, Sask., choosing which seed to grow is the key to success
The Herle family has farmed for five generations and produced over 110 crops. Since their ancestors first tilled the Prairie soil, they’ve had a front-row seat to agriculture’s evolution. “Change is constant it seems in this industry,” said Greg Herle, commercial farmer and seed grower, speaking to ag reporters and communications people last spring at […] Read more
Reporter’s Notebook: Health is your most valuable asset
Sickness and injuries, especially concussions, can bring a quick end to your career
I am having one of those winters where I seem to catch every germ that is circulating. Being sick brings out my inner whinger. I hate curtailing my physical activities. Missing work days stresses me out, especially during the busy winter season. I also feel a latent guilt over taking sick days or even getting […] Read more
Managing fusarium head blight
As the fusarium-infected area grows, so does the sophistication of management tools
As fusarium head blight marches west, agronomists and farmers are finding more sophisticated ways to manage the disease. Cory Willness, agrologist and president of CropPro Consulting, says evening out crops is part of their fusarium management strategy. CropPro Consulting is based in Naicam, northeast of Humboldt, Saskatchewan. “We find traditionally that the tops of the […] Read more
Clubroot is coming to a field near you
The stakes are high, as clubroot has defeated resistant canola varieties and continues to spread
Dan Orchard has a blunt message for Saskatchewan canola producers. “I’m quite convinced that clubroot will come to your farm. It’s just too hard to keep it away,” said Orchard, agronomy specialist for central Alberta for the Canola Council of Canada. Orchard was speaking at the Saskatchewan Oilseed Producers meeting, organized by SaskCanola, SaskFlax, and the Sask. […] Read more
Reporter’s Notebook: Removing the stigma of clubroot
If we’re going to deal with clubroot, we need to consider the psychological issues
Back in 2015, I was in Australia, talking to farmers and others in agriculture about how they were handling herbicide resistance. Australian farmers have the unenviable task of dealing with weeds that are resistant to several modes of action. The country ranks number two globally for the number of herbicide-resistant weeds. During that trip, Brad […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
