Pulling cores from areas with low productivity can help identify issues weighing on the overall productivity of a field
Glacier FarmMedia – Fall soil sampling can be supercharged using tips from the Canola Council of Canada. The big ones include collecting a lot of sub-samples in each field, tapping soil depths and sampling known unproductive acres. It’s typical to collect one benchmark composite sample based on a field’s most productive acres. However, the council […] Read more
Jeff Melchior
Stories by Jeff Melchior
Canada, First Nations agree on unmet agricultural claims
A handful of specific agricultural benefit claims between the federal government and nine First Nations were settled Oct. 18. Once fully settled, these claims – unmet promises in treaties 5, 6 and 10 territories throughout the Prairie provinces – will represent almost $1.4 billion in combined compensation to these First Nations. Through these treaties, Canada […] Read more
Trade group protests supply management bill
The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance says a private member’s bill would hobble the country’s trade negotiators
Glacier FarmMedia – The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance says a bill meant to shield supply managed industries during future trade negotiations is “terrible trade policy for a country that depends on exports.” The industry group took issue with Bill C-282 in a recent letter to the Canadian Senate. The bill would amend the Department of […] Read more
Early planted winter cereals bring more and better forage
Seeding winter cereals “ultra early” in the spring can hedge against drought by offering an alternative feed source, according to Alberta research results. The project’s origins can be traced to the extremely dry year of 2021, which left many Lakeland area producers in need of feed and water resources. Canola crops withered, yielding as little […] Read more
Canadian Grain Commission predicts financial shortfall
Glacier FarmMedia – The Canadian Grain Commission is struggling to making enough to cover its expenses, and is dipping into past surplus to make up the difference. In a release Oct. 16, the organization said that “Since the Canadian Grain Commission reduced its official inspection and weighing fees in 2021, the organization has inspected and […] Read more
Blackleg gene tests questioned
Glacier FarmMedia – Genetics are the tools of choice to minimize losses from blackleg, but there are signs that tried and true resistance genes might not be packing the same punch in every infected field. The fungal disease remains one of the most prevalent threats for canola, and gained particular traction this year after a […] Read more
In-grained pest resistance
Wheat midge are a problem in much of the Prairies and next year producers may seek wheat varieties that can limit damage from those insects. Todd Hyra, western business manager for SeCan, urged producers to note its CWRS variety AAC Oakman VB, which carries tolerance to both midge and sawfly, but it is not available […] Read more
Drooping combine sales seen as part of a cycle
Now may be a good time to get a bargain on used machines as supplies of late model combines become available
Glacier FarmMedia – Fewer new combine sales in Canada and the U.S. are just business as usual and probably a lingering effect of the pandemic, says one ag machinery leader. Although sales may suggest “a little bit” of a downturn, Kim Rominger, chief executive officer of the North American Equipment Dealers Association, says reasons date […] Read more
Legal drone spraying takes step closer to reality
CFIA says the work that is ongoing to satisfy federal regulatory authorities is moving faster than previously anticipated
The ray of hope might be dim right now, but farmers wanting to legally spray pesticides on their crops using drones may be seeing the first hint of light at the end of the tunnel. Ross Breckels, a senior scientific evaluator with Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA), said the process of getting common […] Read more
Midge tolerant wheat varieties available
Glacier FarmMedia – Wheat midge are a problem in much of the Prairies and next year producers may seek wheat varieties that can limit damage from those insects. Todd Hyra, western business manager for SeCan, urged producers to note its CWRS variety AAC Oakman VB, which carries tolerance to both midge and sawfly, but it […] Read more
