Interpreting numbers | While a report says more countries are embracing GM, an opponent says the numbers are skewed
An opponent of genetic modification isn’t disputing the numbers that show GM crops are spreading around the world. Rather, it’s the way those numbers have been interpreted that’s misleading, says Lucy Sharratt, co-ordinator for the Canadian Biotechnology Action Network. The International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-Biotech Applications (ISAAA) released its annual report last month […] Read moreStories by Dan Yates
Researchers put bees to work
Bee vectoring | Bees used to distribute biological control agents
A researcher who has used bees to distribute biological control agents in greenhouses and organic sunflower fields says the technology has potential in other field crops, including canola. Peter Kevan of the University of Guelph is one of several researchers in Ontario who have worked with bee vectoring over the last two decades, using managed […] Read more
Helicopter, nets used for moose research
Moose migration problematic | Hunters happy, farmers not so much as moose wander Highway 11
Moose have traditionally been associated more with boreal forest than prairie farmland. However, a researcher from the University of Saskatchewan says it isn’t difficult to find the animals alongside a busy stretch of highway that cuts through central Saskatchewan, connecting the province’s two largest cities. Ryan Brook, who works in the university’s agriculture college, said […] Read moreReport tackles water efficiencies in agriculture
A new report on water and agriculture identifies many areas where research could improve sustainable water management in agriculture. A 15 member panel convened by the Council of Canadian Academies outlines in more than 200 pages how further studies into uncertain market conditions in changing climates, beneficial management practices and investments in new farm-scale technologies […] Read more
Root biology research key to efficient nutrient, water use
Farmers could become more efficient users of water and nutrients with the proper investment in root biology, Agwest Bio president Wilf Keller said . He made the case during a recent University of Saskatchewan-organized Food Summit in Saskatoon. Making modifications to the root and the region where the soil and root interact could improve nutrient […] Read more
Sask. soybean trial results exciting, but still pose risk
Conditions ideal | Researcher says yields were promising last year, but frost is still a threat
MELVILLE, Sask. — The same conditions that encouraged the spread of sclerotinia in Saskatchewan canola crops last summer actually provided a boost to a small set of soybean trials in the province, says the research manager of the Indian Head Agricultural Research Foundation. However, while one year of soybean trial data are encouraging, Chris Holzapfel […] Read more
Moose studied for range and risk
Most people think of moose as integral players in the boreal forest ecosystem. But it turns out plenty of them are living right alongside of one of the busiest highways in Saskatchewan. A researcher from the University of Saskatchewan says it isn’t difficult to find moose living along a busy stretch of highway that connects […] Read more
Study: Moose range road risk
Most people think of moose as integral players in the boreal forest ecosystem. But it turns out plenty of them are living right alongside of one of the busiest highways in Saskatchewan. A researcher from the University of Saskatchewan says it isn’t difficult to find moose living along a busy stretch of highway that connects […] Read more
Up the seeding rate to squeeze out wild oats: agrologist
MELVILLE, Sask. — A higher seeding rate can pay dividends for oat growers managing wild oat populations, says an Agriculture Canada crop management agronomist. “It’s like replacing a wild oat herbicide that you would have in other crops,” Bill May said. “I know it’s more costly, but in-creasing the competitiveness of the tame oat crop […] Read more
Run grain dryer only if colder outside than in bin: Palmer
MELVILLE, Sask. — A retired University of Regina professor who has publicly challenged conventional grain drying practices has a new message for farmers. Ron Palmer has spurred much debate with his contention that binned grain can be dried more quickly by running aeration fans only at night. Now he contends he’s found further efficiencies. He’s […] Read more
