Our corn grazing in 2013

Kevin Elmy’s been experimenting with varieties for corn grazing

Like the last few years, our 2013 corn year started behind the eight ball. The winter of 2012 posed some seed logistics challenges. Some varieties had seed supply issues, seed size options were limited, new varieties were available but without local trials. These issues added to seasonal stress. Then, for us, snow and rain delayed […] Read more

Estimating costs of production

If you haven't calculated your costs of production on the farm, government numbers can help get you started

Market analysts don’t always agree on price forecasts, but at every farm marketing presentation at least one analyst gives out the same piece of advice: know your cost of production. Calculating production costs is time consuming and frustrating. As soon as you’re done, the prices change. Here are four reasons to do it anyway: If […] Read more


Future ethanol producing crops.

Next generation biofuels

In this second part of a two-part series on biofuels, Anglela Lovell 
considers next generation biofuels and the future of biofuels


The petroleum industry is perfectly aware that the golden days of cheap oil aren’t going to last forever. Although there’s still a lot of oil in the world it’s getting harder and costlier to access. Most of the really good pure oil, called sweet crude, which is easily refined into products, keeping production costs down, […] Read more

Man standing near canola field.

Synergy and the four Rs

To get the most from your fertilizer plan, consider the relationships between variables


It’s important to evaluate all four Rs of fertility collectively when considering the nutrient requirements of your crop. Changing any one R — right time, right place, right rate and right source — can profoundly alter the management of the others, says Dan Orchard, an agronomy specialist with the Canola Council of Canada. “Adhering to […] Read more


Chickpeas

Lentil acres up; chickpeas down

Although transportation issues continue to dominate discussion, 
Marlene Boersch is positive on lentil markets for 2014

Marlene Boersch, co-founder of Mercantile Consulting Venture in Winnipeg, Man., expects to see an increase in lentil production this year, but a decrease in chickpea acreage. While both saw good production in 2013, a lack of movement in chickpeas could mean decreased acreage. On the other hand, good prices, strong movement and an oversaturated wheat […] Read more

Becoming a competent investor

Guarding Wealth: There are several sources of financial advice for beginning investors, 
or investors looking to learn more

As a columnist for Grainews and Financial Post, I am frequently asked what it takes to learn to invest in stocks, bonds and other financial assets. There is a core of knowledge that every investor needs. Books Inspirational personal finance books. The Wealthy Barber is the best of this breed, but this is investing lite. […] Read more


Barley .

Barley 180 project

Agronomists and researchers working on the Barley 180 project are looking to boost barley yields to 180 bushels per acre

When Steve Larocque learned that New Zealand farmers have pulled in barley yields of 180 to 200 bushels per acre, he decided to give it a try in Alberta. Larocque runs Beyond Agronomy, an independent crop consulting business at Three Hills, Alta., and farms 1,000 acres just north of Drumheller, Alta. He grows wheat, barley, canola, peas […] Read more

Hand spilling grain over soil.

Six ways to reduce early season seed stress

While not all factors can be controlled, there are ways to reduce early season stress on your crops


There are many ways to reduce early season stress on emergence, starting with planting date,” says Aaron Miller, an agronomist with DuPont Pioneer. Here are six. 1. Planting date “While planting early offers potential benefits, it also presents some challenges,” says Aaron Miller. “A well prepared seedbed along with the right temperature (close to 10 C) […] Read more


Water sprinkler in a field

Variable rate irrigation

The high cost of variable rate irrigation has limited farmer adoption. But there are times when it can be useful

Variable rate irrigation can boost water use efficiency and may bump yield. But there are wrinkles to iron out before the technology is widely adopted. Variable rate systems include an electronic control panel, a pivot positioning system (usually GPS), and sprinkler control valves. Farmers upload prescriptions to the control panel, which then applies water accordingly. […] Read more

Swather in a field.

Diversify rotations to slow resistance

Diversify canola-wheat rotations to save profit margins and slow
 weed resistance, before it’s too late

Scientists warn that a serious threat to sustainable crop production in Canada continues to grow. Surveys indicate the number of western Canadian fields containing Group 1 and Group 2 herbicide-resistant weeds has jumped dramatically. In addition, glyphosate-resistant kochia continues to spread rapidly in the west, while glyphosate-resistant giant ragweed, Canada fleabane and common ragweed carry […] Read more