Choosing the right variety could make a $60,000 difference to your profits. One expert calculates the value
With hay crop values having regained their competitive edge with other agricultural crops, some U.S. farmers seriously considering seeding more forage crops this year. According to Jerry Lindquist, grazing and crop management educator, Michigan State University Extension, “Grain planting intentions in the U.S., with favourable weather in 2013, will outpace demand while at the same […] Read moreChoosing alfalfa varieties
FCC spreads the word about agriculture
Find out the story behind that “Ag More Than Ever” plastic wrap on the bale you’ve been driving by all winter
If you’ve been to a farm show this winter you’ve seen the “Agriculture More Than Ever” promotion. You probably have a tote bag. Or maybe you’ve spent the winter driving by a bale wrapped with an “Ag More Than Ever” logo. Farm Credit Canada (FCC) is behind this campaign to spread the word that there […] Read moreBeneficial bacteria for wheat and barley
The bacteria living in your soil and depending on wheat and barley roots to survive may be lending the plants a helping hand in return. Scientists are looking into the possibility that the bacteria can biologically control root-rot fungi — a pest that causes crop yield losses of 10 to 30 per cent each year […] Read more
Machinery investments
When considering whether or not it pays to buy new equipment, James Fehr, vice-president, commercial financial services, agri-business and Agassiz market at RBC, said “You need to assess what income the equipment generates verses the expense of operating it.” When it comes to deciding whether or not to buy new machinery, Fehr says, “These decisions […] Read more
Control soybean aphids
Soybean aphids aren’t an annual problem in Manitoba, but lessons from Ontario may be helpful on your farm
Over 2.6 million acres of soybeans were grown in Ontario in 2012, making them Ontario largest row crop,” said Horst Bohner, Soybean Specialist, Crop Technology Branch, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). “As soybeans are considered a warm-season crop and were originally a sub-tropical plant, the length of their growing season is […] Read moreProducing drought-resistant crops
Growing deep-rooted prairie plants can create soil with better drainage and a better ability to provide plant-available water
Reconstructed native prairies may offer an ideal crop for biofuel feedstock. Prairie plants could be grown alone or in rotation with row crops — allowing farmers to enjoy the benefits of either system. Deep-rooted prairie plants create healthier soil, rich in organic matter, with plenty of aeration, good infiltration, stable structure and active nutrient cycling. These organic-rich […] Read moreSoybean cyst nematodes
Soybean cyst nematodes have been a long-time problem in U.S. crops. Mario Tenuta says it’s inevitable that we’ll find them in our fields
Soybean cyst nematodes are a very big problem in the U.S., accounting for over double the loss of soybean crops as compared to any other soybean disease. In 1987, Tom Welacky, field crops biologist for Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, was one of two scientists who discovered soybean cyst nematodes (SCN) in Canadian farmers’ fields. “SCN […] Read moreA review of the 4Rs
Researchers often talk about the 4Rs of nutriten stewardship. Here’s a quick rundown on what they’re all about
Researchers and scientists making presentations at farm meetings often speak about 4R nutrient stewardship: using the right fertilizer at the right rate at the right time in the right place. The International Plant Nutrition Institute, and Canadian Fertilizer Institute and other organizations are working to promote best management practices (BMPs) based on the 4Rs. Steps to sustainability […] Read moreMung beans 101
Researchers are looking at mung beans as a potential new Prairie pulse crop, but these beans have yet to themselves profitable
According to Dr. Alireza Navabi, dry bean breeder for Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Ontario, mung beans are a very healthy source of food, with a power combination of minerals and protein, “They are being used in different ways in different parts of the world,” said Navabi. “In East Asia, they’re used as a sprout […] Read moreSustainable farming about relationships
The term “sustainable farming” can mean many different things to different people. For these farmers, it means changing the way they look at food
For organic trainer and inspector Jenine Gibson, sustainable farming means acknowledging that all of life is about relationships. When it comes to sustainable farming, “we need to be looking at our food differently,” says Gibson. “We need to focus on identifying and creating our food sources and to be working within our environments to create […] Read moreCyber-Savvy Farmer
