Consultations will be held this summer into a proposed amalgamation of Alberta Wheat Commission and Alberta Barley
Provincial wheat and barley commissions in Alberta are asking farmers for their thoughts on formally merging the two commissions. The Alberta Wheat Commission (AWC) and Alberta Barley plan to launch consultations this summer to solicit farmer views on a potential amalgamation. The two commissions have been operating with one management team since 2018 but they […] Read more
Brian Cross
Stories by Brian Cross
Plants’ natural wax may protect from frost
A thin layer of cuticular wax found on some plants can repel water, making it harder for the freezing process to occur
Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan are taking a molecular look at cuticular waxes to determine if their presence on agricultural crops can act as a protective layer against frost damage. Researchers led by Karen Tanino, a professor of plant sciences who specializes in plant physiology, say a thin layer of cuticular wax found of […] Read more
Study gets to the root of crop yields
University of Saskatchewan researchers will receive more than $5.7 million to support 32 projects in various academic disciplines, including agriculture. “Our scientists are on a constant quest to provide discovery the world needs, and this deeply appreciated investment from the federal government will fuel these efforts,” said U of S vice-president of research Baljit Singh. […] Read more
Fababean fractionation planned for Alta.
Fababean growers in Western Canada will soon gain access to another domestic market for their crop. Faba Canada recently announced that it has acquired a milling facility near Legal, Alta., north of Edmonton. The facility will fractionate fababeans and produce a high-quality protein concentrate. The mill is the former Mountain Meadows Pea Butter facility. Brad […] Read more
Nutrien expands on program to extract value from carbon
Will western Canadian producers one day receive compensation for using farming practices that reduce carbon emissions? Nutrien thinks so. In fact, the company, a world leader in potash and nitrogen fertilizer production, has developed programs and partnerships it says will allow growers to create and monetize “high-quality carbon assets” in North America and around the […] Read more
Bison helps couple find a role in family farm
On the Farm: The ranch began as a cow-calf operation three years ago but now actively markets the meat it produces
Denver and Becky Johnson saw bison production as a way to return to the community they loved and it also gave them a chance play a role on the family farm where Becky grew up. The Johnsons are owners of Bison Ridge Farms, a 150-head bison ranch located west of Prince Albert, Sask., on the […] Read more
Favourable conditions found for wheat midge
Producers advised to begin scouting in late June and early July as hot spots are identified in Saskatchewan and Alberta
Canada Day is just around the corner, a time of celebration for many, but for farmers it’s also time to check for orange blossom wheat midge. If conditions are favourable, the tiny insects will be hard at work, laying eggs that could take a significant bite out of the bottom line. Canada Day typically marks […] Read more
On the hunt for new ways to use pulse starch
Pulse crops grown in Saskatchewan, including peas, fababeans, chickpeas and lentils, have long been recognized as a safe and nutritious food source. Now, researchers at the University of Saskatchewan are looking at novel uses for pulse starches that could result in the creation of new environmentally friendly products such as bioplastics, biofilms and plant-based biomedical […] Read more
Canada Grain Act makes canaryseed official
Move made after concerns raised about financial losses incurred following the bankruptcy of some high profile companies
Selling canaryseed, which can be a risky business in Canada, is about to become a lot less risky for Canadian growers. Effective Aug. 1, canaryseed will be designated as an “official grain” under the Canada Grain Act. That means canaryseed growers will have access to the same services, programs and protections that are currently offered […] Read more
Plant growth regulators may be useful in lush crops
With feed barley prices pushing historical highs over the past few months, western Canadian growers might be more tempted than ever to push their agronomy packages to achieve maximum barley yields. Under the right growing conditions, that could make plant growth regulators (PGRs) an investment worth considering, says Sheri Strydhorst, agronomy research specialist with the […] Read more
