Yellow peas performed better in several areas than some other pulse crops.

Putting pulses to work in your crop rotations

Soil Health: A good pulse crop can do more than fill your bank account. It also benefits the soil

Along with more pulse crops in Prairie farmers’ rotations, there has also been more research into the impact these crops have on our soil. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada researchers have recently published several research papers on this issue. This work has led one of these researchers, Dr. Chantal Hamel, to conclude that there are several […] Read more

Critical weed-free period in corn

Critical weed-free period in corn

Keeping your corn crop weed free through the key stages can lead to higher yields

The critical weed-free period (CWFP) in corn takes place from emergence to V4 stage (six-leaf stage). Although corn is typically seen as a longer-season crop, maintaining a clean, weed-free field during this period is critical. A weed-free field is important during all stages of the CWFP. Corn isn’t a very competitive crop, so during the […] Read more


In my asparagus patch, September, 2012. Planting date was May 2002.

Getting to the root of the matter

In the third of a three-part series, Les Henry looks at roots of field and garden crops

This is the final of a three-part series. In part 1 (April 11, 2017) I talked about the folks that provided very detailed diagrams of many plant roots to the depth needed to get the complete picture. Part 2 (April 25, 2017) was perennial pasture and hay crops and weeds and part 3 is field […] Read more



Lentils

Should you be planting green manure?

Researchers see planting and terminating ‘green manure’ as an alternative to summerfallow

Researchers at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada as well as the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture have published two recent studies about the effects of green manure on farmland in the Prairies. In one study specifically, the researchers looked at using green manure as an alternative to summerfallowing. Green manure “is a crop that is specifically planted in order to be terminated, […] Read more

Getting the dirt on 4R nutrient stewardship

Getting the dirt on 4R nutrient stewardship

Fertilizer Canada’s 4R nutrient stewardship research tour delivers valuable information

In the ever-changing world of farming, information is a more valuable commodity than the finest canola crop. Consequently, the recently launched webinar series “Across Canada Tour of 4R Nutrient Stewardship Research” sponsored by Fertilizer Canada is must-see viewing. The tour began last month in Alberta, where co-presenter Dr. Miles Dyck offered an overview of 4R […] Read more


New wheat varieties fight fusarium

New wheat varieties fight fusarium

Agronomy tips... from the field

Looking at new wheat varieties for 2017? Yield, standability, as well as protein and maturity will still be top of mind. And for many, fusarium tolerance will also be high on the list. Fusarium is now established across Western Canada, and in years when environmental conditions favour the disease, it can have devastating impacts on […] Read more

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

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

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


Adding a pulse crop to your rotation will put N back into your soil, some even require less water to produce.

Get your farm ready for global warming

Agronomy management: How can you adapt your Prairie farm to changing climate conditions in the years to come?


Many Prairie farmers have gradually come to accept that global warming is real. Over the past 60 years, our Prairie climate has been gradually changing. In most regions of the Prairies the length of the growing season has increased, the amount of heat (growing degree days and crop heat units) has increased and the number […] Read more

Start planning spring crop rotations

Start planning spring crop rotations

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

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