A series of three-year research projects in key growing areas are helping to update best management practices for flax agronomics, including these highlights.
Tag Archives Flax
Tips for better flax management
Lower Prairie flax production, decent quality expected
CNS Canada — What’s really happening with this year’s flax crop is going to be revealed in the next few weeks as farmers get into their fields. Statistics Canada predicted in a production report, released Aug. 31, that both Saskatchewan’s and Canada’s flax production this year would be 13.7 per cent less than in 2016. […] Read more
China’s requirements leave Canadian flax piling up
CNS Canada –– Stalled demand from a key international buyer has caused a buildup of flax inventories in Canada, with more crops on the way. Demand on the ingredient side of the flax market has been steady, said Mike Popowich of processing firm TA Foods at Yorkton, Sask. “But we’ve experienced a bit of a […] Read more
Flax Council cautions on seed integrity
With the latest official acreage estimates showing a jump in flax acres across much of Western Canada, the Flax Council of Canada is urging caution. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s latest Seeded Acreage Report is expecting 1.1 million acres to go into the ground this year, putting pressure on seed supplies, and putting the integrity of […] Read more
Higher prices could give flax acres a chance
CNS Canada — Strong demand for Canadian flax, combined with small production, has driven prices up, which could tempt producers making seeding choices this spring. Last year, the amount of flax seeded in Canada was down about a third from the previous growing season. As a result, stocks are short, despite large carryover. Demand, however, […] Read more
Control blood pressure with flax
Reporter's Notebook: New research shows that eating ground flaxseed can lower your blood pressure
One of the interesting side effects of covering agriculture is that influences my eating habits. I get to hear about the research into food uses and health claims of the crops grown in Western Canada. I eat pulses for the fibre and protein. I use canola oil several times a week. I’m not shy about […] Read more
Higher premiums from golden flax
There can be higher prices for golden flax, if growers can find the seed
“It’s like being a Klondike gold miner looking back in the hopper and seeing all that gold,” says Robert MacGregor, organic farmer and pedigreed seed grower. MacGregor is talking about harvesting golden flax. But just like gold prospecting getting your hand on some “colour” is not for the faint of heart. Something MacGregor knows well. […] Read more
The future of managing flax fibre
A non-GMO flax variety with reduced stem fibre content is coming down the pipeline
Dealing with flax straw residue has long been a source of headaches for many Prairie flax producers. “While many producers continue to burn it — costing them valuable organic matter, money, and time — producers would prefer to see their flax straw left on the field,” says Wayne Thompson, executive director of the Saskatchewan Flax […] Read more
Prairies tell a tale of two flax crops
CNS Canada — A large portion of Canada’s flaxseed crop is still in the field, leaving questions over the size and quality of what will eventually be harvested. About a third of the flaxseed crop is still left in the field in Saskatchewan, by the estimate of Tom Leier, senior grain buyer with Scoular Special […] Read more
Getting covered: Treating flax seed
Flax has a reputation for being tough to treat. The benefits can make it worth the effort
BASF’s Insure Pulse cleared registration in the spring of 2016, making it the second flax seed treatment on the Canadian market. Vitaflo, the other seed treatment option for flax, has been on the market since the ’70s, says a company representative. But what benefits can flax growers expect, and how can they ensure they get […] Read more
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