syrphid fly larvae attacks aphid

Producers urged to protect beneficial insects

When battling crop pests, a research scientist cautions farmers not to throw the baby out with the bathwater

Prairie crop producers need to focus on conserving beneficial insects while simultaneously managing pest insects. Many of those beneficials help promote synergies and make the best use of other ecosystem service providers.








a seed terminator unit attached to a combine

A Saskatchewan farmer is combining weed control with harvest

The Seed Terminator, an attachment that destroys weed seeds on their way out of the combine, is being put to work on a farm north of Saskatoon

Josh Lade’s farm is all-in on a combine attachment called the Seed Terminator, on which he’s spent mid-six figures over the past seven years, making sure it’s put to work on every acre controlling what he calls “the fittest weeds of the year.”

a pile of lime awaiting application on a farm field

It may be time for lime on acid soils

Liming may be an expensive option — but it’s the only proven method to raise soil pH

Acidic soil can plague crop producers with nutrient deficiencies and poor root growth, leading to reduced yields. Lime can be expensive, but may pencil out as the most important fertilizer treatment for those soils.