Michael Raine

Just because the products exist, it doesn’t mean mixing them is the right idea. Mixes of the herbicides diquat and glyphosate, while not common or registered in Canada, are used in other North American markets. They mainly come in the form of ready-to-use herbicides for smaller agricultural applications as a pre-seeding field burnoff without significant […] Read more

Cool cutting, portable power, fast fusing: the list of new and useful techniques in farm welding and metalworking is a long one these days. “Plasma cutters are probably near the top of the ‘I want that’ list for farmers,” said welding specialist Ilie Irinici. “We see farmers at our demonstration booths and they want that […] Read more

CHILLICOTHE, Mo. – From Alabama to North Dakota, U.S. researchers are growing crops only to run them down. “You have to admit there is a certain, twisted appeal to running over a crop and flattening it for anybody in agriculture, farmers or researchers,” said Steve Shirtliffe of the University of Saskatchewan’s agriculture and bioresources college. […] Read more

ST. BRIEUX, Sask. – Bourgault Industries is updating its 3310 Paralink hoe drill to keep prices down and improve overall durability. Robert Fagnou of Bourgault said the company’s top of the line drill will replace its two-piece packer arm with a single piece unit. “A new, cast and forged single piece combination shank replaces the […] Read more

ST. BRIEUX, Sask. – Bourgault Industries, like many farm equipment manufacturers, says its steel costs have increased sharply in the past year. Robert Fagnou said the cost has to be passed on to farmers, but like most companies, Bourgault is attempting to find alternative processes and products to save money. Claude Rouault of Highline Manufacturing […] Read more

Soybean aphids aren’t keen on plants that carry the RAG1 gene, which makes plants that carry the gene popular with farmers. Soybean aphids are the most serious insect pest facing the Canadian bean industry. Dale Petrie, general manager of Ontario Soybean Growers, said the aphids are always a worry for farmers and the new soybean […] Read more

Grain prices are up, but so are fertilizer prices. Producers are beginning to ask whether it’s worth it to apply fertilizer at the levels recommended by agrologists and by soil analysis. “We’re getting calls from farmers wondering if the investment in added fertilizer makes sense in light of the runup in grain prices. It’s a […] Read more

Researchers from 14 countries collaborated on the genetic sequencing of a pest insect that plagues grain producers across the planet. The red flour beetle is one of three main pests that invade stored grain, causing damage and creating opportunities for heating to occur. It, along with the rusty grain beetle, the lesser grain borer and […] Read more