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Herbicides are still the best way to control weeds, but adding integrated weed management practices can give you an edge
There are a wide range of herbicides that can for control weeds in cereals. However, most agronomists agree that, in the long run, herbicides alone are not a silver bullet. Ultimately, a proper integrated weed management (IWM) program is key. IWM is a farming system that incorporates various inter-dependent cultural, biological and chemical weed control […] Read moreFor dryland farmers, water is the most important nutrient. Find out how to measure yours more accurately
On average, it takes about 50,000 pounds of water to grow one bushel of wheat, says Elston Solberg, president of Agri-Trend Agrology. One bushel of canola will suck up about 70,000 to 75,000 pounds of water. “So when it comes to dryland agriculture, and trying to balance fertility recommendations, (water) is actually, in dryland agriculture, […] Read moreAn Alberta seed grower explains the research that goes into choosing to grow a new crop on her farm
Some people have a natural proclivity to soak up and process new information. For me, however, an onslaught of new information is more like a heavy Alberta rain on a dry ground — a lot more runs off than is absorbed. This was the case when I heard Bentley-area producer Harvey Brink talk about growing […] Read moreSome Prairie farmers are already growing purple wheat under contract. This could be the next new thing for your farm
Researchers are developing specialty wheat varieties which could eventually bring farmers higher premiums. Blue and purple?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 moreWhile not all barley growers are aiming their product at the malt market, if you are, here are some agronomic tips to help you make the grade
For many farmers, barley is a good crop choice to include in their rotation, but the standards for malting quality are understandably high. Dr. John O’Donovan, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) research scientist, notes that “only about 20 to 25 per cent of the barley in Western Canada is accepted for malting every year.” Farmers […] Read moreIf you’re targeting the malt market, find out what your buyers want and what they’re planning to do with it
At malting companies like Rahr Malting, all of their contract with barley growers require barley samples to be prequalified as malting quality. With certain contracts, storage payments will be provided if they don’t take the barley immediately, though the amount of time the farmer holds the grain is negotiable. It is rare that farmers would […] Read moreFor effectiveness and to reduce the risk of herbicide resistance more farmers are using herbicide blends against weeds
What’s your weed-of-choice these days? That answer seems to be a moving target not only across Western Canada but on individual farms. Farmers interviewed for the Farmer Panel say one weed seems to be a problem for a while — they get that dealt with and then other species come along to pose a challenge […] Read more
