seeds Archives - Page 3 of 4

Tests of potato genetic material, loaded onto an agarose gel, show the presence of an experimental gene. (Ken Hackman photo courtesy ARS/USDA)

USDA limits review requirements of some biotech farm products

By GFM Network News May 15, 2020

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

Crops, Machinery, Markets, Reuters, Weather

Climate change has U.S. fund managers adjusting agriculture investments

By GFM Network News May 3, 2019

New York | Reuters — After historic floods devastated Midwestern agricultural states this spring, some fund managers are evaluating how climate change will affect the long-term value of companies that make or sell products ranging from tractors to fertilizer. The issue is not simply the unpredictability of weather. Instead, fund managers say, they are struggling […] Read more

Seed produced across the southern Prairies generally has pretty good quality, however, in central and northern areas that experienced bad weather last fall, poor seed quality is certainly an issue.

Crops, News

Some seed may be in short supply

Last fall’s ‘winter’ took a heavy  toll on seed quality for 2019

By Lee Hart March 7, 2019

Seed people are saying the 2018 harvest season was one of the toughest in decades on seed quality across parts of Western Canada. If you do have seed make sure it’s germination tested before seeding, and if you haven’t lined up certified seed you might be disappointed — certain crop types and varieties may not […] Read more

Crops, Features

The 2019 rebate roundup

Just cashed your rebate cheque from 2018?  Find out what’s new for this year

By Leeann Minogue February 6, 2019

Once again, it’s time for the Grainews annual rebate roundup. For most farmers, rebate programs aren’t the main factor in the decision-making process. A rebate program falls far behind factors like choosing the right product, buying from a retailer you like, and of course the actual price. But, everyone likes a rebate! Especially when the […] Read more

One of the best disposal options is to plant the treated seed on fallow or unused ground.

Crops, Features, Livestock

Getting rid of that treated seed

Treated seed can harm livestock, or contaminate an export load. Dispose with care

By Angela Lovell January 11, 2018

The issue of disposal of treated seed hit the headlines recently when a Saskatchewan farmer discovered two cows and a bull dead in his fields after consuming treated canola seed which had been dumped illegally on his land. Seed treated with fungicides or insecticides should never be allowed to enter the feed or food chain. […] Read more

Ripe soybeans near Morden, Man. on Sept. 14, 2017. (Allan Dawson photo)

Crops, Soybeans, Weather

Manitoba soybean yields disappoint

By GFM Network News September 27, 2017

CNS Canada — With Manitoba farmers starting to bring in their early-maturing soybeans between intermittent rains, they may start to see the toll from the dry summer. Many crop analysts see soybean yields below what farmers have enjoyed for the past couple of years, but they stress that fields are variable and that longer-season varieties […] Read more

Crops, Reuters

EU starts in-depth probe of Bayer-Monsanto deal

By GFM Network News August 22, 2017

Brussels/Frankfurt | Reuters — The European Commission has started an in-depth investigation of Bayer’s planned US$66 billion takeover of U.S. seeds group Monsanto, saying it was worried about competition in various pesticide and seeds markets. The deal would create the world’s largest integrated pesticides and seeds company, the Commission said, adding this limited the number […] Read more

Cereals, Crops, Features

Poor quality cereal seed on deck for 2017

Cereal quality is down across the Prairies, but pulse and soybean seed looks good for 2017

By Angela Lovell April 12, 2017

Farmers across the Prairies will remember 2016 as the year when they had frequent, above-average moisture right through the growing season, delaying both seeding and harvest in many cases. All that moisture means there will be some poor quality cereal seed around for the 2017 season, although the quality of pulses like peas and fava […] Read more

Crops, Features

How do I interpret my seed test?

Know what you’re looking for before you take your seed to the lab for spring testing

By Angela Lovell April 12, 2017

Following a wet growing season that caused all kinds of disease issues across the Prairies, which reduced the quality of cereal seed in all three provinces, seed testing is coming to the forefront as seed growers and farmers want to find out what they can expect from their seed for the upcoming season. “Although everyone […] Read more

When a seed sprouts in the field, starches, which ultimately become bread or pasta, convert to sugars, which make end products, like bread or pasta too sticky.

Cereals, Crops, Features

Genes can control pre-harvest sprouting

Manitoba researchers are using new technology to solve an old problem 

By Angela Lovell March 21, 2017

Pre-harvest sprouting of cereal seeds in the field is directly linked to the seed’s dormancy level. Plants produce different compounds that regulate physiological processes, including seed germination and dormancy. When seeds are dormant, even if they have adequate moisture, heat and oxygen, they simply won’t germinate. One of the factors which prevents seeds from germinating […] Read more

Alberta crop conditions improve: report

U.S. grains: Corn sets contract lows on expectations for big US crop

U.S. livestock: Cattle strength continues

GFM Network News