Choosing that pre-seed herbicide

Choosing that pre-seed herbicide

Q & A with CPS

Q: What are some considerations when selecting a pre-seed herbicide application? A: There are significant benefits to applying herbicides prior to seeding or crop emergence. Pre-seed weed removal reduces competition for valuable moisture and nutrients required for seedling development. When selecting pre-seed herbicides, begin with the crop to be grown. Products available vary considerably by […] Read more

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Six factors to consider if your soil moisture level is low

To date, all indications are pointing to a dry spring, given the below-average precipitation received in many areas of the Prairies this winter. There are exceptions to every rule of course, but a lot of farmers had relatively dry soils going into winter, so we asked some agronomists and provincial crop experts what factors could […] Read more


6 strategies to manage weeds in pulse crops

6 strategies to manage weeds in pulse crops

From tillage to pre-seed and pre-emergent herbicide applications in pulses

Pulse crop growers face unique challenges in terms of managing weed populations in their crop. Not only are pulse crops less competitive, there are limited choices for pre-seed and in-crop herbicide applications, compared to canola and corn. Plan ahead to manage weed populations and resistance using the tools available. There are many choices for grassy […] Read more

Tame oats exposed to Axial, a Group 1 herbicide. Susceptible plants yellow and die after being exposed to a Group 1 herbicide.

Getting to know your herbicides: Group 1

A look at how Group 1 chemicals work and what you can do to manage weed resistance

Although wild oats are an annual, Group 1-resistant wild oats have become a perennial problem on the Prairies. And wild oats aren’t the only weeds developing resistance to this chemical group. Grainews takes a look at how Group 1 chemicals work and what farmers can do to manage resistance. Group 1 herbicides are commonly applied […] Read more



Graham Collier, technical services manager at Nufarm, talks herbicide resistance during a plot tour west of Saskatoon.

Which weeds will develop resistance?

Stay ahead: know which weeds are most likely to develop resistance to which chemistry

Farmers who want to slow herbicide resistance need to understand weed biology, says Graham Collier. Collier is technical services manager at Nufarm. During a plot tour at Ag-Quest west of Saskatoon, he outlined some of the factors that contribute to herbicide resistance. One factor is the average risk of the herbicide group. Weeds are more […] Read more


Hugh Beckie was on hand during Nufarm’s field day at Ag-Quest’s Saskatoon location. Beckie is holding a GPS collar that researchers can attach to kochia plants to track how the weed disperses seeds as it tumbles across the prairie.

Herbicide-resistant weeds: don’t be in denial

Herbicide resistance is a growing problem that all Prairie farmers need to address

Dealing with resistant weeds is a little like dealing with alcoholism, according to a Nufarm executive. The first step is to acknowledge that you’ve got a problem. Lachie McKinnon heads North American business development for Nufarm, and is also the Canadian manager. McKinnon shared thoughts on managing herbicide resistance based on his experience working in […] Read more

Critical weed-free period in corn

Critical weed-free period in corn

Keeping your corn crop weed free through the key stages can lead to higher yields

The critical weed-free period (CWFP) in corn takes place from emergence to V4 stage (six-leaf stage). Although corn is typically seen as a longer-season crop, maintaining a clean, weed-free field during this period is critical. A weed-free field is important during all stages of the CWFP. Corn isn’t a very competitive crop, so during the […] Read more


volunteer canola

Tips for wild oat and volunteer canola control

Agronomy tips... from the field

Wild oats and volunteer canola are two prevalent weeds that need to be controlled each year. When selecting your wild oat herbicide, be aware of the chemistry groups that you are using throughout your crop rotation. Group 2 herbicides have become a popular choice for wild oat control, but be careful that you’re not overusing […] Read more

dandelions

Using wild edibles on our farm

Plants that are often regarded as ‘weeds’ can actually be beneficial

A few years ago we started to learn how to use more herbs and “weeds” around the farm. The one that totally surprised our family was purslane (Portulaca oleracea), or as we call it, wild portulaca. It is very invasive, so if left to grow it needs boundaries with border edging. It’s worth keeping around […] Read more