Above-normal precipitation and cooler temperatures helped drought conditions improve across most of the Canadian Prairies in June, according to the latest drought monitor report from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada showing conditions as of June 30.
Tag Archives drought
Prairie drought conditions improve in June: AAFC
Canadian drought conditions improve: AAFC
Shifting weather patterns helped drought conditions significantly improve across much of Canada in May, with the most significant improvements seen through the southern Prairies where an upper-level low provided cooler and unsettled conditions bringing well above-normal precipitation, according to the latest drought monitor report from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada showing conditions as of May 31. […] Read more
Feeding dry fields
Prairie farmers find more than one way to optimize fertilizer efficiency, whether in dry growing seasons or in any growing season
Farmers and crop consultants in Western Canada have slightly different approaches to manage weather-related fertilizer application risks. With variable moisture, do you apply the full amount at seeding and hope for rain — or find another way? Most producers contacted by Grainews opt for some version of split fertilizer application when facing dry growing conditions […] Read more
Do your homework on alternative feeds
What looks to be another dry year will mean added emphasis on byproduct feeds
Alternative or non-conventional feeds, such as grain screenings, cull potatoes or distillers’ grains, can be an economical means for beef cattle producers to supplement forage and grain inventories while continuing to meet animal nutritional requirements. However, due to variability in supply, nutrient composition and quality of these feed ingredients, there can be pitfalls if not […] Read more
Springtime on the ranch is a hopeful tale
How calf processing has evolved on this ranch over the years
Spring feels like the first chapter of a new book you hope becomes a favourite classic. At the start of a new growing season, you have an idea of the basic summary of the story. The familiar rhythms of the arrival of baby calves and planting crops are certain. However, you can never be sure […] Read more
Alberta municipalities, farmers agree to cut water use as drought persists
Municipalities and irrigation districts in Alberta have agreed to use less water this summer to combat a severe ongoing drought, the provincial government said on Friday.
Drought preparedness through soil and crop management
After each dry year, adapt your drought plan based on your experiences and what you learned
As spring approaches, the agricultural community is becoming increasingly concerned about potential forecasts of drought across the southern Prairies. And rightly so; the print and electronic media have posted numerous drought-related articles. Wide areas of southern Alberta and southwestern Saskatchewan and their dryland farms, irrigated farms and ranching areas could be affected. But what helpful […] Read more
Conditions ripe for winter cereal wreck
Snow cover decline, temperature flux, pooling, freezing all potential problems
Glacier FarmMedia — Minimal snow cover, frigid temperatures in mid-January and above-average temperatures after that may have set the stage for winterkill in winter crops. The risk is high enough to cause concern among crop specialists. “The eastern Prairies are in a little bit better shape than (Saskatchewan and Alberta) but there’s huge swaths that […] Read more
It pays to adjust seeding rate based on moisture
Keep wheat plant count in line with moisture expectations — and limit the amount of tillering
Research done across Saskatchewan recommends that the best way to optimize wheat yields is to adjust your wheat seeding rate to reflect moisture conditions, says a report from the Western Applied Research Corporation (WARC). The research concluded if you’re heading into what looks like a drier growing season, a mid- to lower wheat seeding rate […] Read more
Curb risk from moisture stress for less
A Manitoba agronomist offers up some tips for farmers on a budget
With swings between wet and dry extremes in recent years, Prairie farmers have seen more water stress problems in their fields. Not only do they make crops less productive, but they can also crank up the stress levels for farmers. “Historically, our two main risks in crop production long term have been excess moisture and […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
