Feed that might be high in nitrates must be tested to determine its concentration so it can be blended or diluted and safely fed to cattle. When blending low nitrate feed with problem feed, the amount required to dilute the problem feed will depend on the level of nitrates in the forage (See Table 1). […] Read more
Stories by Manitoba Agriculture
Timing critical for alfalfa harvest
While the first cut harvest of many alfalfa fields in Manitoba was above average and early in 2006, the second cut harvest did not yield so well. Dry conditions and hot temperatures pushed many alfalfa stands to flower early and provide below average yields. As a result, many producers are looking to either squeeze more […] Read more
Friendly bugs boost yields, make bigger berries
Most insects observed in the field are either beneficial or benign. Relatively few insects cause damage to crops. A significant number of insects are predatory on pest insect species. Other insects are parasitic on pest insects and feed on them from within. These predators and parasitoids help to control populations in non-outbreak situations. Predators include […] Read more
Watch for endophytes in livestock feed rations
Interest in using grass seed production residues in cattle rations has been increasing in Manitoba. In other areas where turf-type perennial ryegrass and tall fescue residues have been fed, livestock disorders have been observed, according to Glenn Friesen, a forage specialist with Manitoba Agriculture. These disorders, commonly called fescue foot or ryegrass staggers, have been […] Read more
Disease still a problem in alfalfa
The recent wet, cloudy weather interspersed with the odd day of warm weather should make alfalfa producers aware of the increased odds for spring black stem, leaf spot of alfalfa and common leaf spot. In a typical season of sunny, warm, dry conditions in July and August, the potential for disease increase is low. With […] Read more
Late seeding changes fertilizer requirements
Seeding operations have generally been delayed because of wet soil conditions in much of the Red River Valley. As seeding is backed into June there are some fertility and nutrition concerns with nitrogen and phosphorus that should be recognized. Cool season crops generally respond less to applied nitrogen fertilizer as seeding is delayed. Two reasons […] Read more
Salvage value of unused inoculant
Due to the cold, wet spring, some Manitoba growers are choosing not to seed soybeans. Many of these growers are in a dilemma because they already bought seed and inoculant. While the seed can be stored, inoculant is a different story. It contains living bacteria, Bradyrhizobium japonicum, which is responsible for creating the nodule and […] Read more
Checklist for soil tests
Farmers who hire companies to do soil sampling need to ask the following questions: What type of soil sampling pattern do you recommend and intend to use? The answer depends upon the farmer’s need. Traditionally composite samples are taken from representative areas of the field, and bulked into a single sample for submission to the […] Read more
Timing key for soil tests
The timing of soil sampling may be critical for nitrogen. Nitrogen is often a moving target, especially when soils are moist and warm. The most accurate measure of plant-available nitrogen would be early spring soil sampling. But fall sampling can be practical because it allows for fall fertilizer applications or pricing of fertilizer in the […] Read more
Look early for pea aphids
Early detection is the key to pea aphid management. Fields should be sampled weekly. Counts should be at least 50 metres apart and observations should be made well into the centre. Look for symptoms that include leaf discolouration. Severe infestations may appear as large bronze or brown patches in the field. In younger plants, aphids […] Read more
