GFM Network News

More News →

Tag Archives cover crops

This tillage radish is in the early stages of getting to work.
Crops, Features

The economic value of growing cover crops

Not all of the economic benefits of cover crops can be measured easily, but it’s worth a try

By
The first question that comes up when cover crops are discussed is “Do they pay?” Net returns from cover crops will be determined by what goals were set, what species were grown and other intrinsic benefits from the cover crop. In any business, net profit is the difference between costs and revenue. The two ways […] Read more
Soybeans
Crops, Features

On the farm: the 2016 crop year in review

Every year is different on Kevin Elmy's farm. This year: cover crops, soybeans and rain

By
The good thing about farming is two years are rarely alike. 2016 started out a bit on the dry side, with close to ideal subsoil moisture. The occasional May shower did not delay seeding much. About 20 per cent of our acres were seeded in the fall of 2015 to Luoma winter triticale, which helped reduce the spring […] Read more
Start planning spring crop rotations
Columns, Crops

Start planning spring crop rotations

Strong crop rotations can bring along a wealth of long-term agronomic benefits

By
Crop rotations can be used to take advantage of differences in how each crop in a rotation contributes to increased soil organic matter, aids in pest management, manages soil nutrients and controls soil erosion. Rotating different crops in the same field can effectively promote sustainable crop production. If you haven’t already started planning your crops […] Read more
Crop diversity, rotational diversity and, if possible, getting animals on the land, are the ways to start building soil health.
Crops, Features

Cover crops for better soil health

Cover crops can help build the “livestock” that lives in the soil and improves productivity

By
It appears that the idea of farmers improving the soil is starting to take hold. The Western Canadian Soil Health Conference was held in Edmonton, Alberta, the first part of December 2015. Nora Paulovich and Tom Fromme, co-chairs on the organizing committee, did a wonderful job pulling speakers together and organizing it. It started at […] Read more
The project may look simple from above ground, but underground many sensors and scales take complex soil measures.
Crops

Soil health sensor project largest in North America

By
A new $2-million soil health research project aims to figure out the impact of different cropping systems on the environment. Research will also be conducted on crop productivity relating to soil health. The result should be new knowledge on productivity of traditional cropping systems versus those with cover crops. The project, at the new Soil […] Read more
Crops, Features, Livestock

What is holistic management?

Are cover crops on the rise?

By
Holistic management is a framework for making decisions by looking at your entire environment, including your soil and the living organisms in it, how you’re capturing rainfall and energy from the sun and the diversity of the entire biological community. It also includes taking into account the environmental, economic and social consequences of the decisions […] Read more
Cover crops can help increase production by keeping soil cool, retaining moisture, and feeding the microbes and earthworms that build a healthy soil.
Crops, Features

How to plan your first cover crop

Before you choose a cover crop mix, make sure you know what you want it to do

By
Cover crops are becoming more popular. But how do you plan your first cover crop? The first part of the planning process is setting goals, says Kevin Elmy, owner of Friendly Acres Seed Farm at Saltcoats, Saskatchewan. Elmy has been growing cover crops for seven years and now grows and sells cover crop mixes. “With […] Read more
A cover crop mix of warm and cool season plants ensures that soil life always has food.
Crops, Features

Good reasons to plant cover crops

Not organic? Don’t have cows? Cover crops could still be a fit on your farm

By
If you went to a workshop about cover crops 10 years ago you wouldn’t have had any trouble finding an empty seat. Today, producers pack these workshops. Word is spreading about the benefits that cover crops could bring to their farms. Cover crops provide many soil and production benefits: increased organic matter content, vibrant, working […] Read more
Weed control in a dry summer
Crops, Features

Weed control in a dry summer

Dry summer weather could mean a whole new slate of weed control challenges

By
When it comes to weed control, no two seasons are the same. This year, many forecasters are predicting a hot, dry summer. What challenges will this bring? For one thing, some weeds that thrive better under hot, dry conditions, says weed expert, Robert Blackshaw with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Lethbridge, Alberta. “Some weeds that […] Read more
This is a blend of hybrid grazing brassica, tillage radish, crimson clover, fababean and RootMax annual ryegrass ready for seeding.
Crops, Features

Planning ahead for cover crops

Be ready early to get your cover crop in quickly and extend your growing season

By
Cover crops can benefit your farming operation if you have time to plan ahead. There are several possible cover crops including tillage radish, crimson clover, annual ryegrass, hybrid brassica, hairy vetch, fababean, pea, barley, oats, buckwheat and more. We sell cover crop seed to our customers for different reasons. Some intend to use the cover […] Read more

AgCanadaTV

AGCanadaTV: In case you missed it; your national ag news recap for July 11, 2025

Sponsored By:
More Videos →

Cyber-Savvy Farmer

Glacier Farmmedia Podcast

Latest Market News

More Market News →