Water lines are trenched in on the field to feed drip lines placed at the root level.

Subsurface irrigation called way of the future

Early adopters in southern Alberta are using drip lines to run water directly to crop roots

Glacier FarmMedia — Subsurface drip irrigation is a relatively new system to the Prairies, but one of southern Alberta’s early adopters is confident it’s an effective way to grow crops with water efficiency rates second to none. Subsurface irrigation systems deliver water directly to roots using drip lines and is commonly designed to be spaced […] Read more

At Lethbridge just one year in the past 10 booked above-normal precipitation during its growing season.

A decade of dry

Let's review the variability of weather and soil moisture at Lethbridge

Weather is often the greatest factor that influences crop production across the Prairies — in particular, growing season precipitation and level of heat. The southern Prairies, particularly the regions of the Brown and Dark Brown soil zones, have the lowest growing-season precipitation, in the range of 150 to 200 mm (six to eight inches) and […] Read more



(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Feed weekly outlook: Firm undertone to Prairie grains

MarketsFarm — Solid demand from cattle feeders and ongoing logistic issues across the Prairies should keep a firm undertone in the feed grain market for the time being, according to an Alberta broker. “The feed market has definitely moved higher,” said Brandon Motz of CorNine Commodities at Lacombe, Alta., adding “demand is strong through feedlot […] Read more





Cattle producers and feeders in some areas of southern Alberta have been dealing with overland flooding, such as shown here Saturday over Highway 36 south of Vauxhall, and otherwise mushy conditions. (Photo courtesy Taber RCMP)

Klassen: Feeder market stabilizes

Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle prices were relatively unchanged. Stronger export demand appears to be supporting the market in Manitoba and certain pockets in Saskatchewan; however, Alberta feedlot interest remains subdued. Adverse weather continues to plague southern Alberta. Snow and freezing temperatures followed by brief melting periods have resulted in very poor […] Read more

(CanolaWatch.org)

Little critters causing big problems for Alberta crops

CNS Canada — They may look cute and harmless, but gophers have been wreaking havoc on crops across Alberta. Gophers have been reported causing problems in southern, central and northeastern Alberta for canola crops and pastures, according to the provincial Crop Report. “It’s been dry again this year and that triggered them; it’s been quite […] Read more