As wildfire smoke becomes more common on the Prairies, understanding its effects on herbicide performance and crop development can help farmers make better-informed spraying decisions and avoid costly delays.
Tag Archives Plants
Hazy conditions, clear decisions: How wildfire smoke affects spraying and crops on the Prairies
No direct research has yet been done on how wildfire smoke affects herbicide application
Gene-edited crops clear CFIA’s regulatory bar
Agency guidance puts gene editing on level of conventional breeding
Plants gene-edited for efficient use of water or nutrients or to better withstand pests or drought now won’t have to clear the same regulatory hurdles in Canada as any crops that are modified for herbicide tolerance or include foreign genes. Federal Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau on Wednesday announced updated guidance from the Canadian Food Inspection […] Read more
In one giant leap for Earth plants, seeds are grown in moon soil
Washington | Reuters — Scientists for the first time have grown seeds in soil from the moon — samples retrieved during NASA missions in 1969 and 1972 — in an achievement that heralds the promise of using earthly plants to support human outposts on other worlds. Researchers said on Thursday they planted seeds of a […] Read more
USDA limits review requirements of some biotech farm products
Chicago | Reuters — The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced on Thursday a rule that will simplify or waive agency reviews of certain biotech farm products, including plants and seeds that have been genetically modified or engineered. As a result, some products could be sold to farmers without a USDA review — a move that […] Read more
Singing Gardener: Get acquainted with peonies that have people names
Plus, more info about the hackberry tree
During my primary grade school years, teachers focused a lot on memorizing — especially poetry. One poem in particular that still vividly speaks to me, even to this day is “Trees,” by Joyce Kilmer. His dramatic poem whose words appear next, may also speak to others out there among our family of Grainews readers. I think that I shall never […] Read more
Singing Gardener: Try this natural treatment for cracked and dry heels
Plus, info on an easy-to-sow and easy-to-grow annual flower
There’s a proverb that says: Bad for the rider — Good for the abider. So what does that mean? Here’s one explanation. The rider is driving a vehicle on a muddy road with ruts and faces uncertainty ahead. The abider is a farmer whose fertile fields are sufficiently moistened and prepared to produce a good […] Read more
Singing Gardener: Taking care of a rosemary plant in low-light time of year
Plus, how to make some liquid calcium from dried eggshells to use on tomato plants
For some time my thoughts have told me to write something about rosemary. An email with questions about wonderful herbaceous rosemary has spurred me on to say — today’s the day. I enjoy watching those TV commercials that say: “We’re egg farmers — we love what we do.” If that’s a signal I also love eating […] Read more
Singing Gardener: Remembrance Day 2018
Plus, a houseplant that may help you get a good night’s sleep
Hey! Hello my fellow Canadians. By the time this issue of Grainews arrives in your mailbox, Remembrance Day 2018 will be close at hand. I’ve always appreciated a spot set aside in the garden for growing poppies, especially Ladybird Flanders poppy. Even during midsummer, poppies remind me of Canadian doctor, surgeon and teacher John McCrae who is best known for […] Read more
Blazing Star Wildflower Seed Company
Family business grows native wildflowers and heirloom veggies and markets the seeds
When Renny Grilz’s parents started the Blazing Star Wildflower Seed Company as a farm diversification project in 1992, they didn’t anticipate the interest and success the business would generate. “They were one of the first companies offering wildflower seeds native to Western Canada and did extremely well for the first couple of years. Then the […] Read more
Singing Gardener: Happy Birthday Canada
Plus, home remedies and where to get marrow seeds
Hi again readers. I, Ted, am thinking ahead one full year from now. That’s when we’ll be rolling out the red carpet, honouring our flag and celebrating, travelling and connecting with fellow Canadians in hundreds of celebratory ways from sea to sea to sea. This land of the great white north shall celebrate its 150th […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
