Crop advisor casebook: What’s causing these wheat heads to curl?

Crop advisor casebook: What’s causing these wheat heads to curl?

A Crop Advisor's Solution from the July 17, 2018 issue of Grainews

John, who owns a mixed grain farm near Lacombe, Alta., called me last July after he discovered curled and deformed wheat heads in his crop. He said the affected plants were scattered throughout the field, and approximately 10 per cent of the crop was affected. At the field, examination of the plants revealed healthy and […] Read more

Crop growth advancing well, though high heat, low moisture causing damage

Saskatchewan Crop Report for the week ending July 9

Crops across the province are advancing nicely, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture’s weekly Crop Report. Eighty-one per cent of the fall cereals, 77 per cent of the spring cereals, 75 per cent of the oilseeds and 79 per cent of the pulse crops are at their normal stages of development for this time of year. The […] Read more


Most crops in Sask. in good condition, but more rain needed

Saskatchewan Crop Report for the week ending July 2

Scattered showers last week brought much-needed rain to many areas of the province, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture’s weekly Crop Report. Rainfall last week ranged from trace amounts to 53 mm in the Arborfield area. Additional rainfall in the past few days has alleviated concerns of dry conditions in some areas, although more will be needed […] Read more



Crops see good growth progress, southwest Sask. needs rain

Saskatchewan Crop Report for the week ending June 18

Across the province, seventy-five per cent of the pulse crops and fall and spring cereals are at their normal stages of development, while 70 per cent of the oilseeds are at their normal stages of development for this time of year, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture’s weekly Crop Report. Many areas reported rain showers this week, […] Read more

On the hottest days cows and bulls can drink 40 to 50 litres per head. They need plenty of fresh water.

Water and shade reduce impact of heat stress on cattle

Too much heat along with pests can affect breeding success

I am no stranger to the effects of summer heat stress in cattle. Back when I was working on my master’s thesis at the University of Manitoba (the effect of molybdenum on copper status in beef cattle nutrition, 1983), I had 35 Shorthorn/Angus crossbred yearlings on full feed. During that particular summer, after July 1 […] Read more


Recent rains improve crop conditions, topsoil moisture

Saskatchewan Crop Report for the week ending June 11

Rain across most of the province has helped to alleviate dry topsoil moisture conditions. Areas in the southeast, which was one of the drier regions over the past couple of months, received large amounts that caused flooding. The moisture will help to replenish pasture and encourage hay growth. Seeding operations are mostly complete, but there […] Read more

Dry fields see rain relief, seeding nears completion

Saskatchewan Crop Report for the week ending June 4

The majority of the province received much-needed moisture this past week, helping to alleviate concerns about dry field conditions. The amount of rain varied across the province, with some southwestern areas receiving very little, while many fields in the southeast are saturated and flooded. The Lampman area received 256 mm of rain. Fields and roads […] Read more


(Photo courtesy Water Management Research Unit, ARS/USDA)

U.S. grains: Corn sags on long liquidation, favourable crop conditions

Chicago | Reuters — U.S. corn futures fell on Friday on technical selling including fund-driven long liquidation along with strong crop prospects amid mostly favourable weather in the U.S. Midwest, analysts said. Wheat futures also declined as the U.S. winter wheat harvest began while soybeans closed firm as traders awaited news from U.S.-China trade talks […] Read more