Farmers and landlords are asking a lot of questions about cropland rental this spring. Strong grain and oilseed prices have prompted landlords to renegotiate land leasing arrangements, especially those involving cash rents. It is understandable that with increased returns, higher cash rents are justifiable. The critical question is how much higher. “Generally, throughout the province, […] Read more
Stories by Alberta Agriculture
Consider fall spraying for best weed control
Once harvest is done, many producers start planning for next year and thoughts turn to weed control. Spring weed control is important but some weeds are best controlled with a late fall herbicide application. Producers can make next spring’s weed control easier using a post harvest herbicide application. Winter annuals germinate in the fall and […] Read more
Clean bins to avoid insect problems
Farmers should thoroughly clean storage bins before harvest, then monitor grain once it is in the bins, to reduce potential insect problems. “Several insects cause problems in stored grain,” said Jim Broatch, insect pest management specialist with Alberta Agriculture. “Fungus feeding types of insects are usually the most common problem. These insects thrive in grain […] Read more
Late seeding may help create more insect problems this year
Farmers in central and northern Alberta who had later than normal seeding dates due to excessive moisture may also have issues with insect pest management. “Crop development requires growing degree-day accumulation, as does pest development,” said Jim Broatch, insect pest management specialist with Alberta Agriculture at Stettler. “Often, these developments need to be co-ordinated between […] Read more
Cosmetics company interested in lupins
Three years of crop research trials have proven that lupins are a viable alternative for Alberta farmers. The crop has also caught the attention of Ceapro, a personal care company from Edmonton. “Lupin is a crop that fixes its own nitrogen,” said Mark Olson, provincial pulse specialist with Alberta Agriculture. “Nitrogen is by far the […] Read more
Rain welcome if broadcasting urea fertilizer
Urea, when used properly, can be an effective way to fertilize established crops. For years, ammonium nitrate, or 34-0-0, was the preferred fertilizer for use on pastures, hay fields and winter cereals. It was considered the most efficient broadcast nitrogen fertilizer for these situations. When granular 34-0-0 was discontinued in Western Canada, urea, or 46-0-0, […] Read more
Creating a business buzz – Farm Biz Marketing
A man searching for a pair of Size 15 skates had no luck finding them in Calgary, which has hundreds of sporting goods stores from which to choose. Where did he eventually find them? Kamsack, Sask., population 2,000. “Everything is custom fit these days,” says Wayne Sas, owner of Sas-Kam Sportsman in Kamsack, where he’s […] Read more
Check feed protein level
The early cold weather experienced this year has made it even more important for producers to test their feed to determine quality and to keep close watch on the body condition score of their cows. “Using average values for this year isn’t working,” said Barry Yaremcio, a beef and forage specialist with Alberta Agriculture. “Some […] Read more
Identify, control insects in grain bins
Producers report greater insect populations in stored grains this year than in the recent past. Farmers should monitor grain in bins and take preventive steps now to make it easier and less costly than finding the problem when trying to deliver the grain. “There are several insects that are causing problems in stored grain this […] Read more
Clubroot disease increases in Alberta
Clubroot is a growing problem in Alberta. The disease has been reported on occasion from home gardens in central Alberta over the past 30 years, but was confirmed in canola in the St. Albert area near Edmonton, in 2003. Since then it has been the focus of a number of surveys of canola and cruciferous […] Read more
