canola crop

When you have to broadcast seed canola

Broadcasting seeding is always a last resort for canola growers. But if you have to do it, here are some suggestions to increase your odds of getting decent yields

Typically, broadcast seeding in canola is considered questionable at best. But it comes to mind when weather causes delays. “Broadcast seeding is acceptable as a last resort late in the seeding season under wet conditions,” says Murray Hartman, oilseed specialist with Alberta Agriculture. “Wet soil can plug up openers and packer wheels, and the seedbed […] Read more

Hand spilling grain over soil.

Six ways to reduce early season seed stress

While not all factors can be controlled, there are ways to reduce early season stress on your crops


There are many ways to reduce early season stress on emergence, starting with planting date,” says Aaron Miller, an agronomist with DuPont Pioneer. Here are six. 1. Planting date “While planting early offers potential benefits, it also presents some challenges,” says Aaron Miller. “A well prepared seedbed along with the right temperature (close to 10 C) […] Read more


Wheat field with blue sky in background.

Saving your seed

While there are many benefits to using certified seed, not all farmers plan to buy it. 
Here are some tips for farmers saving seed

Using certified seed allows farmers to focus on growing and provides quality seed with potentially new marketing opportunities for the crop, risk management, and access to new varieties, says Lorena Pahl, general manager of the Alberta Seed Growers’ Association. “Certified seed captures the full benefits of a plant breeding program — not just the first […] Read more

Barley seeds in a petri dish.

Three good reasons to test seed lots now

Don’t let last year’s problems become next year’s problems. Test your seed before it’s too late

The 2013 growing season is over, but it will linger well into the next growing season. Why? Because seed quality for next year’s crop is very dependent on conditions experienced in the previous year. The top three reasons to test seed are to know more about germination, vigour and disease levels. “2013 produced what looks […] Read more