Winter cereal production fell in Saskatchewan last year because of the weather, dropping to little more than 147,000 acres from almost 230,000 acres in 2003. But that is not an accurate picture of the overall trend, says Bob Linnell, executive manager of Winter Cereals Canada. “Winter wheat production has been around 700,000 acres, spread across […] Read more
Stories by Saskatchewan Agriculture
Don’t seed alfalfa on alfalfa stubble
Producers concerned with old alfalfa stands dying after several years of production should avoid reseeding directly back to alfalfa. Mature alfalfa plants produce toxins that result in toxicity in the soil, which prevents establishment of new seedlings. “The specific toxin produced is called medicarpin,” said Trevor Lennox, a forage specialist with Saskatchewan Agriculture. “It is […] Read more
Make time for farm succession planning
There’s never enough of it, yet so much depends on setting time aside to think and plan for the future. Farm transfers can be smooth or bring families to the verge of self-destruction. If Saskatchewan Agriculture’s Lyle Darwent has learned one thing in his career providing advice to producers, it’s that making time to talk […] Read more
Value chains help seize market opportunities
Mediterranean lamb sausage, cooked lamb in Moroccan orange sauce, parmesan and Greek feta cheese meatballs and marinated lamb kabobs: this list of exotic dishes makes you want to go for lunch right away. It is also part of the latest effort by sheep producers to develop their industry, and has prompted them to take a […] Read more
If stubble must be burned, burn it properly
More farmers may decide to burn crop residue this fall because of heavy straw and stubble. However, Wayne Gosselin, an environmental policy analyst with Saskatchewan Agriculture, says agricultural burning should be used only as a last resort. “Smoke can be a health hazard, burning can impact soil quality and leave the soil vulnerable to erosion, […] Read more
Johne’s disease control
Johne’s disease is a contagious and chronic bacterial infection that affects primarily the small intestine of ruminants. Johne’s is most commonly seen in cattle but other ruminant species can be affected such as sheep, goats, elk, deer, llamas and bison. Dairy breeds have been more susceptible than beef breeds because of intensive livestock management practices. […] Read more
Field scouting vital for proper weed control
Field scouting is the most important part of an integrated weed management program. It’s impossible for farmers to know which weed control strategies to try until they know which weeds they are dealing with. Scouting is easiest if farmers carry some basic tools and equipment into the field with them, including a clipboard with scouting […] Read more
Consider annuals as forage options
With more cattle living on prairie farms this summer, many producers will be looking at annuals to increase their potential feed supply. However, they should ask themselves a number of questions before making any choices, says Trevor Lennox, a rangeland and forage agrologist with Saskatchewan Agriculture in Swift Current. “For example, producers should think about […] Read more
Pheromone wheat midge traps now available
Pheromone traps exist for Bertha armyworms and diamondback moths. Now, just in time for the new growing season, there is a pheromone trap for monitoring orange wheat blossom midge. “Pheromones are one method by which insects communicate. They are chemicals that may attract, repel or alert other insects of the same species,” said Owen Olfert, […] Read more
Winter feed supply can be stretched
With more cows and calves than usual being fed on farms this winter, beef producers are looking to stretch their feed supplies till spring. Naomi Paley, a livestock agrologist with Saskatchewan Agriculture, said straw in winter rations is one way to do this. “Compared to hay, straw is relatively inexpensive and because of Saskatchewan’s high […] Read more
