Turning tricks at the Mane Event

Niki Flundra expects two totally different types of people to attend her trick riding clinics at the October 2012 Mane Event. The first group will be those seriously interested in learning how to trick ride. The second type will be horse people who just want to try something new with their horse. “You can gain […] Read more

Timing critical for fall herbicide application

Choosing the right application window for pre- and post-harvest weed control can be a guessing game. Follow this guide to fall application timing and cool-weather spraying

As fall progresses, post- harvest herbicide application becomes a bit trickier. Effectiveness will be influenced by factors such as temperature, target weeds, the amount of frost damage and the products being used. Timing is critical. “One of the primary challenges with a post-harvest herbicide application is whether you are going to have enough time for re-growth after harvest,” says […] Read more


Phosphorus gets short shrift

While neighbouring southern Saskatchewan canola fields were being swathed, one Southey-area farmer’s crop was far behind, and not nearly ready to be cut. Andrew, who farms 2,600 acres of barley, peas, wheat and canola, thought the variety could be at fault for the crop’s delayed maturity, stunting and bluish tinge. “Why is my crop so far behind […] Read more

In search of the perfect steak

I recently learned a good steak doesn’t just jump onto your barbecue. I was down in Granum in southern Alberta recently for the weekend and was looking for a nice steak for an evening barbecue with friends. There are two grocery stores in nearby Fort Macleod and I am sure their meat is excellent, but […] Read more


Try bait to sample wireworms

Wireworms may be lurking in the ground beneath your feet. Learn how to recognize wireworm damage and use bait to get a good sample

Wireworms are omnipresent insect pests that can attack many different crops including annual and perennial grasses, wheat, barley, corn and potatoes. They are becoming increasingly problematic, especially in areas where grassland or pasture has been broken up for cropping, due to their long life cycle and the lack of effective control methods. Wireworm life cycles Perpetual populations of […] Read more

Are ranchers ready for free-market environmentalism?

It is unfortunate, but the legislation intended to protect wildlife and wildlife habitat is making it increasingly difficult for the ranching industry to operate in the same way as previous generations. Unfortunately, most of this legislation is counterproductive; not only is there little concrete evidence showing this type legislation is saving any species from the […] Read more


Time to give forage its due

Grass isn’t just something that covers the ground until we can find something better to grow. Grass, and the broader category of forages, is a $2 billion dollar crop annually in Alberta and when you start adding its value to the entire Canadian livestock industry, the environment and society in general, well it’s value easily […] Read more

SAFEGUARD SULPHUR SOIL SUPPLIES

Bill had high hopes for a bumper canola crop on a newly acquired quarter for his operation near Melfort, Sask. In the past, the quarter had produced canola crop yields in excess of 40 bushels per acre. With a little co-operation from Mother Nature, Bill thought, the crop’s harvest would provide a good return on […] Read more


FAIR WEATHER? YOUR CROP IS FAIR GAME

After the cold, wet spring of 2011, Saskatchewan farmers were once again engaged in a flurry of production activity in the fair June weather — but they weren’t the only ones taking advantage of the warmer temperatures. Insects were also on the move, as one Kelvington-area producer was about to discover. Bob, who farms 3,000 […] Read more

Enrolment opens for CWB’s new-crop programs

The sign-up period is officially underway for wheat, durum and malting barley growers wanting to get in on the refurbished CWB’s new-crop pool and cash contracts. On March 29 the CWB opened the new-crop pools and programs for the 2012-13 crop year, which begins August 1. “Farmers can rely on the CWB to provide them […] Read more


Upcoming events