pesticides Archives - Page 13 of 14

Fighting myths about ag chemicals

The ag conversation includes many misunderstandings and dangerous myths

By Michael Flood April 14, 2015

Dr. Joe Schwarcz*, director of McGill University’s Office for Science and Society (OSS) is a chemist by training and a science popularizer by profession. The OSS works to promote scientific literacy among the general public and combat dangerous myths and misunderstandings. This year Dr. Schwarcz brought his message to the attendees at FarmTech 2015 in Edmonton, […] Read more

Crops

Pesticides could lead to ‘pollination deficit,’ EU report says

By GFM Network News April 8, 2015

Brussels | Reuters –– Evidence is mounting that widely-used pesticides harm moths, butterflies and birds as well as bees, adding to concerns crop production could be hit by a shortage of pollinators, according to a report drawn up for EU policymakers. The European Commission, the EU executive, placed restrictions on three neonicotinoid pesticides from Dec. […] Read more

Features, News

Chemical safety on the farm

You use them so often they may not even seem to be all that dangerous  anymore. But make sure you know just what you’re dealing with

By Shanyn Silinski March 18, 2015

Every year farmers and farm workers come in contact with a wide variety of chemicals. Often they’re used every season and farmers can become familiar with them, even a bit complacent about the dangers they pose. Each chemical will have an information sheet and information tag. All chemicals and medications have Material Safety Data Sheets […] Read more

Crops, Features

Viable substitutes for neonicotinoids

Some groups are calling for bans on neonic pesticides. Get the scoop on alternatives for your farm

By Michael Flood January 28, 2015

In September Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne mandated Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture Jeff Leal to start working to reduce the use of neonicotinoid (also known as neonic) pesticides in the province after 2016. The reduction may include bans or severe restrictions on approved uses. Several countries across the European Union have suspended use of several common […] Read more

Crops, Reuters

USDA report says no risk from pesticide residues

By GFM Network News December 22, 2014

Reuters — More than half of food tested by the U.S. government for pesticide residues last year showed detectable levels of pesticides, though most were within levels the government considers to be safe, according to a report issued Dec. 19 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The USDA looked at fresh and processed fruits and […] Read more

Columns, Crops

Understanding farm water issues

Water: it’s necessary for life. But add the word “drainage” and it can also start fights

By Toban Dyck December 11, 2014

Corn prices. Why am I getting emails with those words in the subject line? Why does Gmail’s spam filter let that slip by? I’ve been telling people for a couple years now that I farm. To border guards and others who’d trust or like me more if I worked with my hands, I am a […] Read more

Columns, Crops

Interesting times ahead for farmers

Farmers are on the environmental front line. If they can keep the public onside, they could turn a curse into an opportunity

By Lisa Guenther December 2, 2014

The proverb “may you live in interesting times” is often attributed to a Chinese philosopher. The phrase is supposed to imply that it’s better to live a boring, tranquil life, than an interesting, but perhaps stressful, one. But sleuth around a little on the Internet and you’ll find the so-called Chinese curse isn’t Chinese at […] Read more

Crops, Potatoes

Potato partnership brings prosperity

Atlantic Region: Outstanding young farmers work in  partnership to grow potatoes on Prince Edward Island

By Shirley Byers November 25, 2014

Andrew and Heidi Law-less, the 2014 Outstanding Young Farmer nominees representing the Atlantic Canada region, are both from a P.E.I. farming background. Heidi grew up on a mixed farm (purebred Angus cattle, potatoes and grain). Andrew is the third generation on the Lawless potato farm a stone’s throw from the little town of Kinkora where […] Read more

Wheat & Chaff

Store ag chemicals safely

By Canadian Agricultural Safety Association July 24, 2014

Pesticides are often a necessary part of farm production. Agricultural chemicals present risks to farmers, agricultural workers, children, livestock and the environment if not used and stored properly. Farmers generally only purchase enough agricultural chemicals for one growing season, reducing the need for long-term storage. However, it is sometimes necessary to store agricultural chemicals. The first step for […] Read more

Crops, Features

Three tips for a successful post-harvest burndown

There’s only a small window to get your  weeds under control after harvest and  ahead of the frost. Make the most of it

By Michael Flood July 22, 2014

At the end of a long growing season with the harvest in and the fields clear it’s tempting to let your guard down against weeds. You may see a few spots of Canadian thistle and dandelion and feel that with frost coming on soon you can wait until spring to deal with them. Before you […] Read more

Alberta Crop Report: Higher-than-average yields expected

U.S. livestock: Tight cattle supply helps CME futures rebound from collapse

U.S. grains: Soy futures post weekly loss on expectations for big U.S. crop

GFM Network News