Features & Production Tips

Floating your fall fertilizer

With new fertilizer products on the market and new machinery available,  fall-applied fertilizer could be your solution

By Danell van Staveren September 9, 2014

At first glance the Case 4530 is a strange-looking contraption. It seems to be an awkward combination of a sprayer and a tractor. As it turns out, the “floater,” as it’s commonly called, is anything but awkward. Rather, its 70-foot boom and latest and greatest GPS make it well suited for the job it was […] Read more

"This bacterium can cause elongated water-soaked lesions on leaves, which later turn light brown," AARD's Michael Harding says.

Cereals, Crops, Features

Detect and avoid bacterial leaf streak

By Rebeca Kuropatwa September 8, 2014

Last summer, bacterial leaf streak was found in fields in southern Alberta. For best control, avoid infected seed

Bacterial leaf streak (BLS) and black chaff occur in cereal crops around the world. In 2010, BLS in wheat was declared an emerging problem in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. In 2013, it was found in a number of fields in southern Alberta. BLS can cause significant yield loss on some cereal varieties, but, […] Read more

Crops, Features

Carbon in your soil

Carbon levels vary across the Prairies. The ideal amount  depends on yield expectations and the local climate

By Lisa Guenther September 5, 2014

Great civilizations, including the Mayans and Mesopotamians, have been built on productive agricultural systems, underpinned by fertile soil. And as soil quality eroded, so did these civilizations. But when it comes to soil organic matter, it seems Western Canadian farmers have learned from the past. People have known for centuries that dark soil is generally more […] Read more

Canola, Features

Monitor that monitor

There are different ways of calibrating a yield monitor. What's yours?

By Leeann Minogue September 3, 2014

How did that canola run?” Whether or not you want to tell the truth in town, if you’re getting your answer from the yield monitor in the cab, make sure it’s well calibrated. “It’s critical to get an accurate calibration,” says Ward Anticura, integrated solutions manager at Battle River Implements in Camrose, Alta. “Some guys […] Read more

Features

Life insurance alternatives

Banks push mortgage life insurance, but there are cheaper, more flexible alternatives

By Andrew Allentuck July 30, 2014

If you’re getting a mortgage for the first time or refinancing an existing mortgage at a different institution, chances are the person across the desk is going to try to peddle mortgage life insurance. Data show that about 60 per cent of Canadians with a mortgage written by a bank also have mortgage life. It’s […] Read more

Canola, Crops, Features

Timing the canola harvest

When it comes to bringing the canola in from the field, the right timing is crucial

By Melanie Epp July 29, 2014

When it comes to canola harvest, timing is everything, says Harry Brook, crop specialist with Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development. Farmers, he says, are mostly concerned about green seed, since green seeds contain more chlorophyll and are therefore undesirable to processors. If timing is so important, how do you know when is the right time? […] Read more

Desiccants will not speed up crop maturity. The general guideline is to apply at 30 per cent moisture.

Crops, Features, Pulses

Drying with desiccants in pulse crops

Desiccants can simplify pulse crop harvest and weed control,  but make sure to read the label and know your MRLs

By Andrea Hilderman July 28, 2014

Given this year’s cool, wet spring, harvesting in a timely fashion might become a challenge. In pulse crops, desiccant use can be a critical component of harvest management to dry down any remaining green material in the field as well as deal with actively growing weeds. Dale Risula, Saskatchewan’s provincial special crops specialist, starts almost […] Read more

Farm Life, Features

Triple your canola yield

Farmers who don’t like to think about feelings might have skipped this page. Now that we have your attention, learn how to recognize farm stress

By Lisa Guenther July 25, 2014

Many people don’t like to talk or read about their feelings. But dealing with stress by burying yourself in work instead of talking can backfire. “We all, at times in our life, need some help getting back on track,” says Kathy Decelle, outreach social worker. Decelle has been counselling people in rural northwestern Saskatchewan for […] Read more

Crops, Features

Three tips for a successful post-harvest burndown

There’s only a small window to get your  weeds under control after harvest and  ahead of the frost. Make the most of it

By Michael Flood July 22, 2014

At the end of a long growing season with the harvest in and the fields clear it’s tempting to let your guard down against weeds. You may see a few spots of Canadian thistle and dandelion and feel that with frost coming on soon you can wait until spring to deal with them. Before you […] Read more

Canola, Crops, Features

Diagnose your own problem

The Canola Council’s online diagnostic tool is  there to help farmers identify problems themselves

By Leeann Minogue July 17, 2014

Maybe it’s after work hours, or the long weekend. Or maybe you need to make a quick decision. It’s probably not going to replace your favourite local agrologist anytime soon, but the Canola Council of Canada’s website can be very useful when you need a little help. All you need to do is gather as […] Read more

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