SASKATOON — There will be less competition from one of the main players in the global grain market in the new crop year. The Ukrainian Grain Association (UGA) is forecasting an 18 percent drop in the country’s grains and oilseeds exports in 2024-25. Related stories: Ukraine is expected to ship out 43.7 million tonnes of […] Read more
The need for social, farming changes recognized in 1970s
In the early 1970s, two things were very apparent: the changing attitude toward women in society and the need for prairie farmers to reduce their dependency on cereal grain crops. Among the news stories of 1971, an article by Catherine Shorten, in the Jan. 6, 1972, issue of The Western Producer, revealed that the world […] Read more
Sask. optimistic about sunflowers
MEDICINE HAT — Sunflower acres in Saskatchewan aren’t huge but a producer organization that supports the sector says there is potential to expand the crop for oilseed, confectionary and birdseed markets. Elaine Moats, Saskatchewan Sunflower Committee vice-president, said sunflowers are native to the province, which gives them natural attributes. “It’s our only native oilseed crop,” […] Read more
The wild side of pollination
Flowering plants have developed a few ways to move their pollen around, and thus protect their genetic diversity. Many grasses are wind pollinated and, as a backup for their long-shot pollination method, can self-pollinate to bring about the next generation. If you’re a broadleaf plant, you’re likely putting animals to work, whether that’s birds, insects […] Read more
Poor profit outlook seen for oilseed sunflowers
Manitoba Agriculture has pegged the crop’s target price at 25 cents per pound, much lower than the previous two years
No one likes to finish last but Manitoba Agriculture has ranked oilseed sunflowers as the worst crop to grow in 2024. The province’s cost of production guide for crops says with yields of 2,000 pounds per acre, the profit from oilseed sunflowers will be negative $160.72 per acre, giving a return on investment of negative […] Read more
Crop profits harder to find this year
WINNIPEG — Last January, Manitoba Agriculture farm management experts said that with average yields, nearly every crop looked profitable in 2023. Grain corn was especially promising. Twelve months ago, the estimated profit from growing corn was $114 per acre. That sort of profitability seems unlikely in 2024. This year, Manitoba Agriculture believes corn could be […] Read more
Manitoba growers wrap up corn, sunflower harvest
Even with last month’s winter weather, corn and sunflower producers in Manitoba had a strong finish to their 2023 growing season. Anastasia Kubinec harvested her corn and sunflowers with great yields this fall, and she was lucky enough to have her sunflowers off before the snow came. She said the warmer weather created some muddy […] Read more
Manitoba sees wide range in yield and moisture issues
Government ministry issues final crop report of the season as it summarizes how different crops fared in the province
Central Manitoba farmers reported a significant drop in yields this year, based on the provincial government’s year-end summary. It said producers in these drier regions had yields of 30 to 35 bushels per acre compared to the provincial average, which was between 55 and 60 bu. per acre. Acres that received much-needed precipitation reported yields […] Read more
Ukraine says it still has export options
Farm group says country is already preparing to use river ports now that Black Sea Grain Initiative has been cancelled
Manitoba sunflowers doing well with fewer acres
The province has seen hot and dry weather lately, but the crop has emerged and is doing well with the help of timely rains
Despite fewer acres under hot and dry conditions, things are going well for Manitoba sunflowers. “Overall, the acres are still good,” said Jody Locke, a product group manager for Scoular Canada in Winkler, Man. “The plants have emerged. They are waist high and looking pretty strong. I think they could use some moisture, but overall […] Read more
