Biologcials and biostimulants are gaining traction, but experts say Prairie grain growers still need to ask hard questions and look for data that backs up companies’ claims.
Tag Archives testing
Biologicals, biostimulants make way into Prairie crop plans
But with more companies entering the biologicals and biostimulant space, Prairie growers are being urged to look past the hype and dig into the data
Farm gets aggressive on wall-to-wall resistant wild oats
Agronomist says managing herbicide-resistant weeds is like starting a fitness routine: make a plan, set goals, stick with it
Beating herbicide-resistant weed populations means making a plan with clear goals and objectives and staying on top of it — and that means not allowing weeds any opportunity to set seed in big numbers.
BKT tires score a prestigious DLG approval
German test centre gives favourable report on BKT tractor tires
BKT’s AgrimaxFactor tractor tires scored high in practical tests evaluating soil compaction and fuel consumption at Germany’s DLG test centre.
The hidden hazard of mycotoxins
The toxins can be associated with low performance before they have a clinical effect on cattle
Mycotoxins can be present in virtually all forages and other feedstuffs that cattle consume. A hidden hazard, mycotoxins can create a variety of problems, including impaired immune response, which can lead to secondary infections, compromised growth rates, reduced reproductive performance, lameness and gangrene. Illnesses caused by mycotoxins can be difficult to identify, and treatment with […] Read more
Ways to improve the microbiome
Scientists consider how we could better support relationships between plants, soil and microbes
Glacier FarmMedia — The hyperbole around biologicals and what they can do for crop production sounds like 10 million crickets in a suburban backyard. There’s a lot of noise around biologicals, and for good reason. Soil contains millions of bacteria, fungi and other microbes that perform vital functions for plants. As a result, global agri-science […] Read more
Avoid grain spoilage when temperatures get wild
Consider your bins when the weather swings from extreme cold to unseasonably warm
Glacier FarmMedia — With unusually high temperatures interrupted by two deep freezes, it’s been a challenging winter for grain storage on the Prairies, requiring diligence to protect stored crop. Anne Kirk, cereal crop specialist with Manitoba Agriculture, advises aeration and vigilant monitoring of bin moisture and temperature. The latter is particularly important when outside temperatures […] Read more
Understanding farmers’ equipment needs
As the pace picks up on advancements in technology, consulting customers for their feedback becomes more important
A few years ago, I was invited to attend an R&D facility to test-drive a prototype version of an MFWD tractor with a CVT transmission — then I was asked to give my impressions of what I liked or didn’t like. It was interesting to participate in the early evaluation of a new tractor. Prototype […] Read more
Saving your own crop seed
Don't just assume two- or three-year-old seed, or even last year's seed, will still be viable
Look before you leap! Check your seed before you plant. Before getting into the topic of saving your own seed, whether it be cereals or legumes or any crop except for canola, I talked to several consultants and seed growers. Their answers were that few growers use all-new seed every year. These few exceptions actually […] Read more
Saskatchewan expands wildlife testing to include bovine TB
CFIA probe of cattle herd finds 10 infected so far
Recent confirmed cases of bovine tuberculosis (TB) in a Saskatchewan cattle herd have led the province to expand its annual wildlife monitoring program for chronic wasting disease (CWD) to also include TB. The province each year since 1997 has asked hunters to submit heads from harvested deer, moose and elk to test for CWD. It […] Read more
Disease testing uptake low despite benefits
Canola disease tests help growers better manage their fields
Canola disease testing is available free of charge in much of the Prairies, but uptake among growers and agronomists remains relatively low, according to industry officials. In Manitoba, the Pest Surveillance Initiative (PSI) lab has been offering free clubroot testing since 2014. The Manitoba Canola Growers Association lab also offers free blackleg and verticillium stripe […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
