It’s been a rough stretch of years for soybeans in Saskatchewan. Planted acres dropped from 850,000 in 2017 to about 68,000 in 2023 and 2024.
Saskatchewan growers balk at soybeans
The province’s soy acres are still down significantly from their heyday of seven years ago
Saskatchewan researchers find some pea varieties naturally resistant to root rot
Further testing is underway to more clearly distinguish the contenders
Tests of field pea varieties this past summer in plot trials suggest some commercial varieties have more genetic resistance to root rot than others — not a huge amount of additional resistance, but in some cases marginally better.
Later is better when spraying for fusarium
Some advice to growers still recommends spraying earlier, but researchers say recent studies point in the opposite direction
Research and field testing in North Dakota indicate the best time to spray for fusarium head blight is when the first flowers appear in the centre of the wheat head.
Faba beans could help ease rotation pressure on canola
There has been little export demand, but new, safer varieties are expected to open doors in the domestic food market
Eric McLean, who farms near Oak River, Man., thinks farmers should avoid the “easy button” approach to crop production.“We have to keep trying different things. Honestly, that is the solution, to have that diversification in the crop rotation.”
Tile drainage can help manage nutrients as well as moisture
A South Dakota producer says improved draining not only increases plant health but also keeps nutrients on the field
The big benefit of tile drainage is preventing soil from becoming saturated, a major detriment to root development and crop yield, South Dakota farmer Brian Hefty says. “Plants will not grow into a water table.”
Peer groups are a pathway to improved soil health
A variety of organizations have developed programs that allow producers to learn more about taking care of their soil
A variety of organizations have developed programs that allow producers to learn more about taking care of their soil.
Regenerative agriculture is difficult to define
Vague definitions of the concept may weaken the brand
“It really bothered me to see a survey the other day, that said 70 per cent of farmers in the United States think they are regenerative farmers. No way,” North Dakota farmer Paul Overby says.
Prairie farmers have mixed views of sustainable agriculture push
Suggesting that producers change their practices when the status quo is working for them can be a reach
If governments, corporations and environmental groups want to achieve change on the landscape, education and incentives are both needed, and preferably farmer-to-farmer education.
Prairie farmland rentals rates difficult to track
Rental rates could be important in 2025 as grain producers deal with lower grain prices and relatively high input costs
In Red Deer County in central Alberta, a survey found cropland leasing rates were around $75 per acre. Renting that same land could be 40-50 per cent more expensive in 2025 — but it’s difficult to even make a guess because land rents are considered a “dark market.”
Tiny allies may help canola push through drought
Federal researchers examine soil microbes to see if they can help a crop withstand dry times
Researchers with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Saskatoon are studying the microbes that live near the roots of canola plants to see if the answers to developing drought tolerance can be found in the soil.
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
