Canola growers have been asking agronomists questions about promoted products. Do they work? And if so, are they worth the additional cost? Two researchers, Murray Hartman, oilseed specialist with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, and Neil Harker, research scientist, weed ecology and crop management, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, conducted a study to test the inputs that […] Read more
Back to the agronomy basics in canola
Experts advise growers to focus on quality seed and nitrogen before less conventional inputs
New soybean cyst nematode solution
Syngenta has a new biological seed treatment to fight soybean cyst nematode
Last June, Syngenta Canada Inc. announced the registration and launch of a new biological seed treatment for soybean cyst nematode (SCN), Clariva pn. Clariva works in a direct and targeted way to reduce the growth and feeding of soybean cyst nematode. While soybean cyst nematode is currently not an issue in Western Canada, it’s good […] Read more
Early season weed control is key
Spring spraying can be challenging. Look for the right weather and moisture conditions
Early season weed control is a top priority for canola growers. Weeds that emerge before the crop are much more competitive than those coming up with the crop, and herbicide can’t undo the damage done by weeds left uncontrolled before emergence. Clark Brenzil, provincial weed specialist with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, says research shows […] Read more
Five risky situations for stored canola
Agronomist Greg Sekulic explains how you can get your canola safely through the winter
Last winter, western Canadian canola growers reported rising temperatures in canola bins. The reasons for the heating were many, and most could have been avoided had the bins been regularly checked. To further reduce the risk of spoilage, keep in mind these tips, provided by the Canola Council of Canada’s agronomy specialist, Greg Sekulic. 1. Temperature risk […] Read more
Bin safety starts with grain quality
Farm Safety: Train yourself and your farm employees to avoid tragic grain bin accidents
Every year we hear tragic stories of deaths associated with grain bin entrapments. Despite continued efforts, the accidents keep happening. While it’s always good practice to remind farm staff of grain bin safety protocols, injuries and deaths could be dramatically reduced simply by eliminating their number one cause: storing out-of-condition grain. “Virtually all entrapment events […] Read more
Look out for the Devil’s trumpet
Jimsonweed, also known as Devil’s trumpet is a highly toxic weed
According to provincial weed specialists in Alberta, jimsonweed, a highly toxic and problematic weed species, was found in three Alberta canola fields (Barrhead, Leduc and Westlock) last month. Growers are currently working with their provincial departments and the CFIA on an eradication strategy, although they are not considering it a major problem at this moment. […] Read more
Verticillium wilt found in Manitoba
Be on the lookout for this canola yield-stealer at the end of the season, when the plant begins to ripen
Verticillium wilt, caused by Verticillium longisporum, was detected in canola in Manitoba last summer. While verticillium wilt is common in northern Europe — it’s the number one disease in oilseed crops in Sweden — this was the first case of the disease in an oilseed crop in North America. What is verticillium wilt? Verticillium longisporum […] Read more
Need an equipment part for your machine? Just print it
As the cost falls and the technology improves, 3D printing is becoming relevant to agriculture
When you think of printers, farming isn’t the first thing that comes to mine. However, the ag industry is no stranger to creative thinking, and as 3D printing technology becomes more accessible, it is being used to make everything from machinery parts to demonstration models. Basically, 3D printing allows you to print a three-dimensional object rather […] Read more
Fall weed management in canola
If you have time for fall weed control in canola fields, make the most of it
Canola is one of the higher value crops in Western Canada, but returns can be negatively impacted by poor weed control. Luckily, there are options for glyphosate-tolerant canola. Controlling weeds in the fall ensures that the crop suffers next to no yield loss due to competition in the following year. If pre-harvest control isn’t possible, […] Read more
New fababean varieties coming
New varieties of fababeans are being evaluated in AARD variety tests
Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development (AARD) has AARD has a unique business model — they work with breeders from both private and government organizations in Canada and overseas. Now, they’re evaluating fababean varieties to see which ones have the best fit under Alberta’s conditions. Mark Olson, unit head, pulse crops, has been working closely with collaborators, […] Read more
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