Fall forecast | Despite record grain movements, officials expect rail service could again test farmers’ patience
This year won’t see a repeat of last year’s record harvest, but officials are warning farmers that they could once again be hampered by long waits for rail service. However, the situation today looks much different than it did a few months ago, when dozens of ships were waiting in ports for deliveries stuck in […] Read moreStories by Dan Yates
Sask. mustard crop escapes extreme events
Saskatchewan producers are looking at another healthy mustard crop, say officials. Acres dedicated to the crop are up this year, and producers have been spared the worst of the weather and water that has dampened production in some parts of the Prairies. “I think we’re probably looking at a good crop,” Kevin Hursh, executive director […] Read more
First frost dates pushed
Today’s farmers have a lot more time to grow a crop than those that came before them. The numbers should provide some comfort to growers in Western Canada, where crops in many regions that aren’t affected by floodwaters are delayed following a cool spring and plenty of rain in the early summer. “Farmers, I think, […] Read more
Sask. mustard crop escapes weather disasters
Saskatchewan producers are looking at another healthy mustard crop, say officials. Acres dedicated to the crop are up this year, and producers have been spared the worst of the weather and water that has dampened production in some parts of the Prairies. “I think we’re probably looking at a good crop,” Kevin Hursh, executive director […] Read more
Wild boar pose serious risk, warns Sask. researcher
Saskatchewan needs management plan to avoid millions in losses
A University of Saskatchewan researcher is warning ranchers, farmers and provincial officials about a possible explosion in the province’s wild boar population. Although he can’t put a number to the animal’s population today, Ryan Brook says it’s easy to imagine wild boars someday outnumbering people in the province. “If you (think you) have even extremely […] Read more
Nutritional needs rise as mercury dips
Deficiencies have long-term effects | Cows lacking nutritional requirements may produce smaller, poor performing heifers
Talk turned to the coldest, darkest days of winter during a sunny field day in June. Kim Ominski of the University of Manitoba’s animal science department reminded producers at a recent Western Beef Development Centre event that the nutrient demands of cattle increase when temperatures dip and the wind picks up. “Mother Nature can be […] Read moreWell-fed pregnant cows reward producers with better offspring
Good nutrition begins at conception, says a North Dakota State University researcher. Many factors may affect a young cow after calving season is over, but a growing body of research shows that fine-tuning feeding programs for pregnant cattle may affect the performance of their offspring for years to come. For producers, that could mean improved […] Read more
Fungicide pays only when under high disease pressure: research
An Agriculture Canada scientist is urging cereal producers to think twice before making early applications of fungicides to control potential disease threats. “We have concluded, and this agrees with work some other colleagues have done as well, that early fungicide applications are really a waste of money,” said Myriam Fernandez, a researcher at the federal […] Read more
Growers eager for advice on managing canola in bin
Experts scramble for answers | PAMI is conducting trials on three grain bins to determine best management practices to keep grain from spoiling
Long-term canola storage isn’t something producers have previously had to worry about. However, last year’s record harvest and subsequent transportation logjam meant there’s more of the valuable and vulnerable seed sitting in storage as the warm summer months approach. “There are a lot of questions about how to best store it or how to best […] Read more
Wheat breeders planning for climate change
Longer growing season | Most effects in Canada are expected to be positive, but warmer weather will require adjustments
Climate change is on the minds of Canadian plant breeders. Speaking at the recent Canadian Wheat Symposium in Saskatoon, researcher Ron DePauw identified an increasing frequency of extreme temperatures as a challenge to grain production and food security in coming generations. “There’s going to be intensity of weather events. There will be localized flooding, and […] Read more
