corn in wet soil

How rain posed mixed blessings for this year’s corn

In the early-season moisture, corn plants' roots didn't bother to dig deep

Some Manitoba corn growers could be feeling a little more anxious than usual in the weeks ahead as they prepare for harvest. Many southern portions of the province received above-average rainfall amounts this spring, which has turned out to be a mixed blessing for corn producers in the region. While those rains helped promote early […] Read more



(Keeperofthezoo/iStock/Getty Images)

Prairie forecast: Mild pattern trying to hold on

This forecast starts with an area of low pressure over northern Ontario and a resulting push of cool air over the eastern half of the Prairies. Over the western half of the Prairies, a weak ridge of high pressure is moving in. This will bring sunny skies and average or above average temperatures.

TAP program participants at a recent event at Enderlin, N.D., west of Fargo, check out a Montag fertilizer application unit, designed for use in reduced-tillage and cover cropping systems.

Soil health training served on TAP for Prairie agronomists

North Dakota's Trusted Advisor Partnership (TAP) program coming north to Manitoba, Saskatchewan

A program designed to provide agronomists with practical soil health knowledge — and a peer sharing network on the subject — will soon be establishing roots in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. The Canadian Prairies Trusted Advisor Partnership (TAP) plans to launch its first cohort of about 15 agronomists in January 2025. It will serve as a […] Read more


Photo: Canada Beef Inc.

Klassen: Canadian feeder markets trades premium to U.S. values

For the week ending October 19, Western Canadian yearling markets traded $3 to $5 on either side of unchanged compared to seven days earlier. Calf prices were $5 to as much as $10 higher.  Strength in the deferred live cattle futures along with the weaker Canadian dollar has resulted in positive margins on incoming calves. Therefore, the calf market has developed a floor price.

(WPohlDesign/iStock/Getty Images)

Prairie forecast: No snow – yet

Forecast issued Oct. 16, covering Oct. 16 to 23, 2024

As we work our way towards winter, we'll eventually have to start talking about snow... but it looks like that type of weather is at least another week away. Instead, the models show unseasonably warm weather continuing across much of the Prairies over this forecast period.


WFE 2-155 Tractor

White is a favourite colour of one Manitoba farmer

We check out a jaw-dropping collection of WFE equipment and hard-to-find collectibles

Among vintage and classic tractor enthusiasts are many with large collections dedicated to a single brand. While John Deere and International Harvester undoubtedly have the largest followings, those with a passion for the now-extinct White Farm Equipment brand seem to be few and far between. But that’s exactly the focus of Manitoba farmer Craig Rubeniuk’s […] Read more

Photo: Thinkstock

Klassen: Calf market ratchets higher

For the week ending October 12, the Western Canadian prices for yearlings off grass and backgrounding operations were relatively unchanged from seven days earlier. The Lethbridge market for calves was up $8-$10 from week-ago levels while calf markets in the non-major feeding regions were up a solid $4-$6 on average.



File photo of cattle on pasture northeast of Calgary. (James_Gabbert/iStock/Getty Images)

Prairie forecast: Mild temperatures to continue

Forecast issued Oct. 9, covering Oct. 9 to 16, 2024

As this forecast period starts, the Prairies are feeling the effects of an upper ridge as it slowly slides eastwards and breaks down thanks due to low-pressure tracking over the ridge. Here is where things get interesting. Overall, the models have consistently shown an area of low-pressure tracking over the ridge late this week and over the weekend. This low is forecasted to drop southeastwards and deepen dramatically.