Workers on a paint assembly line at Deere and Co.'s seeding equipment manufacturing plant at Moline, Illinois in 2016.

Editor’s Rant: Next order of business

Given all that’s known so far about the guy, I’m not optimistic. Whether you or I like him or not, though, by this time next month, he’ll again be president of the United States. To anyone suggesting Canadians should just clam up about this development south of the border and mind our own business, I’d […] Read more


oatmeal

Let’s look at the facts on pesticides

Practical Research: Chemicals found in nature aren’t intrinsically safer than the man-made options

The May 2024 edition of Consumer Reports, published by a well-regarded U.S. not-for-profit independent organization, examined “Produce Without Pesticides.” The article carried a lead statement that some 20 per cent of the 59 fruits and vegetables in its ratings posed a high risk for pesticides. It also made the statement that some of our favourite […] Read more




File photo of an oil palm tree plantation in Thailand. (Pigphoto/iStock/Getty Images)

Thailand’s ban on two ag chemicals troubles farmers, industries

Paraquat, chlorpyrifos added to 'Type 4' list

Bangkok | Reuters — Thailand enforced a ban on Monday on two agricultural chemicals widely regarded as toxic to humans, prompting claims from farmers they will face losses, while environmental campaigners welcomed a step toward sustainability. Many countries have already prohibited paraquat, a broad-spectrum herbicide, and chlorpyrifos, an insecticide. Some 10 million farming households in […] Read more


Check with buyers before you treat

Check with buyers before you treat

Buyers don’t want canola treated with quinclorac or wheat treated with chlormequat

The message is clear: two herbicides are no longer viable options in Western Canada. This spring, the Western Grain Elevator Association (WGEA) and the Canola Oilseed Processors Association (COPA) individually announced their members will not accept canola treated with quinclorac or wheat treated with chlormequat in the 2016 crop year. The decision comes due to […] Read more

The wheat in the top sheaf was treated with Engage Agro’s Manipulator, which slows stem growth to limit lodging. (Engage Agro photo)

Minogue: Call your grain buyer before applying Manipulator

Farmers planning to try Engage Agro’s new plant growth regulator, Manipulator, this year will first want to call their grain buyers. Many Prairie farmers recently received letters from Winnipeg grain firm Parrish and Heimbecker, for example, stating P+H will not buy wheat treated with Manipulator this season. “We completely understand why a lot of the […] Read more


Desiccants will not speed up crop maturity. The general guideline is to apply at 30 per cent moisture.

Drying with desiccants in pulse crops

Desiccants can simplify pulse crop harvest and weed control, 
but make sure to read the label and know your MRLs

Given this year’s cool, wet spring, harvesting in a timely fashion might become a challenge. In pulse crops, desiccant use can be a critical component of harvest management to dry down any remaining green material in the field as well as deal with actively growing weeds. Dale Risula, Saskatchewan’s provincial special crops specialist, starts almost […] Read more