Crop Management
The equipment manufacturer plans to start in the United States and Brazil as it aims to boost machine connectivity
One common complaint from many farmers is about less-than-impressive rural cellular coverage. It’s a complaint not limited to Canada, and in fact Canadian producers have it better than those in some other countries. One problem with limited service is that it affects the use of digitally connected machines in a farm fleet, which need good […] Read more
Crop Management
Equipment manufacturers focus on technology
Major implement companies face high-tech future as they wrestle with automation, autonomy and precision agriculture
Images of autonomous machines working on their own in fields can easily grab the attention of early-adopter producers, especially those facing a labour crunch. They also make impressive headlines and brand announcements. However, even though several concept, prototype and even a few production machines have appeared on the scene, nearly all producers will again still […] Read more
Laptop fix leads to seed company solutions
Cloud-based SeedTrakr system continues to be refined with the input of the businesses that inspired its creation
Sometimes the idea for a new product literally walks through the door. “So once upon a time Ron Jefferies, who I knew from curling and as a neighbour and things like that, wanders into my office with a broken laptop,” said Bill Rimmer. “He said, ‘can you help me with this laptop?’” Rimmer is managing […] Read more
Cold tolerance of canola seeds under the microscope
Researchers have discovered certain canola varieties have more tolerance for cold soils, but they don’t know why
In most of Europe, farmers plant rapeseed in the fall because it usually out-yields rapeseed that’s planted in the spring. That isn’t an option for western Canadian farmers. Winter canola cannot withstand the frigid winters and chilly springs on the Prairies. Still, it would be helpful if spring-seeded canola grew more rapidly, to take advantage […] Read more
Management best bet for pulse success
Crop rotation, seeding depth and rate and root characteristics all play a role for pulse crops going into a dry year
There’s a farmer adage that goes, “we’ve never lost a crop in the middle of winter.” In other words, there’s no point speculating on what the growing season is going to be like before the first rainfall. That said, it’s looking more and more likely that 2024 will be another dry year. For many pulse […] Read more
Developing pulses particular to the Prairies
Ana Vargas and her U of S team are working to develop disease resistance, tall red lentils and drought-resistant fababeans
CALGARY – A scientist who seeks to breed lentils and fababeans that are a better fit for the Canadian Prairies in an era of climate change sees a bright future for the region’s pulse farmers. The ability of such crops to fix their own nitrogen means they require less fertilizer and provide high levels of […] Read more
Fababeans attractive option for 2024
BRANDON — A shift toward pulse crops could be the seeding trend of 2024. Agriculture Canada is forecasting more acres of peas, lentils and other pulses this spring because those crops may steal acres from canola. “Peas will be up five percent, lentils eight percent and chickpeas 17 percent compared to last year,” The Western […] Read more
Competition grows in durum market
Canada's share of purchases in the European Union has plunged to 19 percent in 2023-24 from 72 percent last year
SASKATOON — Canada has yet another fierce competitor to contend with in its former top market for durum. Reports surfaced earlier this year about the sharp rise in Turkish and Russian durum exports to the European Union. Those exports have severely restricted Canadian sales to Italy and other European Union countries. However, a third player […] Read more
Alta. plans water sharing agreements amidst drought scare
MEDICINE HAT — The Alberta government is taking unprecedented steps as the situation unfolding on Alberta rivers and the drought conditions that stretch from Hay River to Milk River reverberate across the province. Provincial environment minister Rebecca Schultz issued a media release today announcing the launch of the largest effort in the province’s history to […] Read more
Canada pledges funds for efficient fertilizer research
Joining the Efficient Fertilizer Consortium gives Canada chance to influence research strategies, feds say
Canada will join the United States, the United Kingdom and others in a group dedicated to advancing efficient and novel fertilizers, the federal government announced today. “By joining the Efficient Fertilizer Consortium, we’re helping ensure that our farmers and producers are well-equipped to make informed decisions that are good for the environment and their bottom […] Read more
