Micro-organisms from host plants are used to improve germination, crop yield and ability to handle stress
A new discovery in the world of micro-organisms has potentially big implications for farmers. University of Saskatchewan microbiologists Vladimir Vujanovic and Jim Germida have discovered a natural way for many crops to better handle stressful conditions such as drought and heat. The agriculture scientists have found a new group of microbes within plant cell tissues […] Read more
William DeKay
Stories by William DeKay
Wheat midge predators find new home in Montana
A wheat midge outbreak in Montana recently sent two entomologists on a cross-border hunting trip into Saskatchewan. Gadi Reddy and Brian Thompson of Montana State University were collecting parasitoid wasps in Saskatchewan wheat fields to take back and release in the state’s wheat producing areas. “Around six years ago we started to get wheat midge […] Read more
Sensors allow bins to be remotely monitored
ROSETOWN, Sask. — This will be the first winter that Alvin Moore uses a cellphone or tablet to monitor grain in his bins while he vacations in Arizona. The Rosetown area farmer said the peace of mind that comes from having the information at his fingertips is a good investment. “It will be nice to […] Read more
Grain elevator vandalized using a track hoe
With harvest just around the bend, Warren Callfas doesn’t have time to make the necessary repairs to his wooden grain elevator after recent vandalism, July 28. “Things are to tight to harvest now and I probably won’t be needing the extra storage anyway considering the kind of year it has been,” said Callfas who farms […] Read more
Five-year-old Alberta girl wows trick riding community
Five-year-old Piper Yule doesn’t have any secrets for her success in winning trick riding competitions, but she loves to ride horses — the faster the better. Arguably the best in the world for her age, Piper recently won the Canadian and U.S. national title in the peewee division for 12 years and younger. “She likes […] Read more
Genomic research gets $93 million
Eleven genomics research projects have won Genome Canada’s large-scale applied research project competition. The agriculture and aquaculture genomics research projects, which were announced July 21 by Genome Canada and the Western Grains Research Foundation, will receive $93 million in funding. The federal government is funding $30.8 million through Genome Canada with $5 million from the […] Read more
Anthrax cases prompt call for vaccinations
A provincial surveillance veterinarian is hoping producers are vaccinating their livestock from anthrax after confirmation of two bison deaths at a ranch northwest of North Battleford, Sask., July 8. Seven more bison also died in the same herd within 72 hours, and it’s suspected the bacterial disease is the culprit. “One of the first things […] Read more
Genomic projects receive $93 million in funding
Eleven genomics research projects have won Genome Canada’s large-scale applied research project competition. The agriculture and aquaculture genomics research projects, which were announced yesterday by Genome Canada and the Western Grains Research Foundation, will receive $93 million in funding. The federal government is funding $30.8 million through Genome Canada with $5 million from the Western […] Read more
Five-year-old trick-riding champ a ‘natural little horsewoman’
Five-year-old Piper Yule doesn’t have any secrets for her success in winning trick riding competitions, but she loves to ride horses — the faster the better. Arguably the best in the world for her age, Piper recently won the Canadian and U.S. national title in the peewee division for 12 years and younger. “She likes […] Read more
Cicer milkvetch forage varieties set to steal alfalfa’s crown?
A recent study shows that new cicer milkvetch varieties have an edge over alfalfa. “Cicer milkvetch has an advantage in that it is a bloat safe legume with high forage quality for grazing during the growing season and as a stockpiled forage for fall grazing,” says Paul Jefferson, a forage management re-searcher and vice-president of […] Read more
