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This photo, from the July 2021 issue of Grainews, was taken on March 19 but the soil moisture data is from April 1. Spring snowmelt was early with little to no runoff. By that time, it was known the depth of snow and resulting depth of moist soil was highly variable over the quarter section. Soil temperature at three to four inches was 5 C or higher long before May 1.
Columns, Crops

Les Henry: Snow job 2022

Plus, seven tricks to try this spring

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This year, in the February 8 issue of Grainews on precipitation cycles, I wrote, “The long-term cycles are the climate, but farmers must manage what the weather throws at us in any given year. As the winter rolls on, I have a few tips I will offer about managing around Mother Nature by using all […] Read more
Tips to conserve soil moisture and manage weeds this spring
Crops, Features

Tips to conserve soil moisture and manage weeds this spring

Plus, where tillage fits in and how and when it could be used

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Although it has only been on most farmers’ radars for the last couple of decades, no-till production has become a modern-day success story, with well over half of Canadian farmland now being farmed under its practices. However, no till relies heavily on herbicides to manage weeds and retain soil moisture. And with key herbicides like […] Read more
Les Henry: Soil moisture map for 2022
Columns, Crops

Les Henry: Soil moisture map for 2022

The soil reserve we’ve become accustomed to over the past decade is just not there

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It is no surprise to readers that this year’s freeze-up soil moisture map required a lot of red ink to print. In the Allan Hills, where my Dundurn farm is located, folks can drive combines with a full tank of grain through sloughs that needed a canoe to cross a few years ago. You do […] Read more
To make a soil moisture map, one must understand soil moisture.
Columns, Crops

Les Henry: Soil moisture maps. How it all happened

The adventure began more than 40 years ago

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The feature “Catalogue houses: Eaton’s and others and how it all happened” in the November 2021 issue of Grainews, gave a blow-by-blow account of how my book on the topic came about. The response has been tremendous, and many thanks to readers. Your letters, emails and book orders are very much appreciated. In this piece, […] Read more
Snow cover in southern Manitoba has been sparse this winter, as shown across this field east of Starbuck, Man. (MarketsFarm photo by Glen Hallick)
General, Weather

Wet or dry spring ahead? Depends on where in Canada

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MarketsFarm — There will be increased in risk of flooding this spring in British Columbia, western Alberta and parts of Eastern Canada, according to a report Friday from AccuWeather. Meanwhile, dry conditions are expected to continue across the Prairies. AccuWeather’s report forecasts below-normal temperatures for B.C. and western Alberta going into spring. That could delay […] Read more
Snow on March 28, 2013, at my Dundurn farm. My asparagus patch is between the quonset and the trees. Snow was four to six feet deep.

Columns, Crops

Les Henry: A snow job

Snow as a water source for crops

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When we made the first-ever Soil Moisture Map in 1978, it was early days in the quest to get rid of as much summerfallow as possible. Those with Henry’s Handbook can check out page 109 to see that first map. The legend has stayed much the same. The objective of the map was to let […] Read more
Base map courtesy of Andrew Nadler PEAK HydroMet Solutions.
Columns, Crops

Les Henry: Soil moisture map for 2021

The situation shows a lot of red ink on the Prairies

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To start with, we must realize this is a very general, high-level picture of the situation. It is meant to do just that, as well as provide a framework for farmers and agronomists to relate their situation to. Having it available early in the new year, means it can be part of the decisions made […] Read more
A soil core showing the dry layer from one- to three-foot depths. In this situation, the only plant-available water is in the top foot. Roots will not penetrate the dry layer to access the moist soil beneath. Sufficient rain must fall to wet up the dry layer before the deeper moisture comes into play.
Columns, Crops

Les Henry: Soil moisture and rain

One plus one does not always equal two

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Soil moisture as a soil management issue has finally come into its own with the advent of tech savvy young folk using soil moisture probes to get real information in real time. Thanks to those who provide me with information to help make the annual, three-province, Soil Moisture Map as of freeze-up. To make a […] Read more
(Qingwa/iStock/Getty Images)
Crops, Markets

USDA’s July WASDE has little effect on markets

U.S. Midwest weather likely having greater effect

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MarketsFarm — There were some notable changes in the carryovers for corn, soybeans and wheat in the July supply and demand report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture released Friday. However, the monthly world agriculture supply and demand estimates (WASDE) had very little effect on the markets, according to MarketsFarm analyst Mike Jubinville. “I think […] Read more

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