Bayer CropScience released details of new seed treatment technology last week that, based on company data, reduces the amount of insecticide-laden dust when planting corn and soybeans. Bayer said lab and field trials for a new seed lubricant indicate it is possible to dramatically reduce the amount of dust emitted from corn and soybean planters. […] Read more
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Seed lubricant shows potential
Global warming hiatus unlikely to last, says draft UN report
Warming trend to resume Report offers explanations for documented slowdown in global warming
OSLO, Norway (Reuters) — A recent hiatus in global warming is partly caused by natural variations in a chaotic climate and is unlikely to last, says a draft United Nations report by leading climate scientists. The 127-page draft and a shorter summary for policymakers say factors including a haze of volcanic ash and a cyclical […] Read moreUnited Nations report showcases need for new policy, practice
The head of the Saskatchewan based Global Institute for Food Security says food wastage numbers contained in a United Nations report highlight the need for change. The study, conducted by the Food and Agriculture Organization, was intended to calculate food waste and its impact on the world’s non-renewable resources including land and water, as well […] Read more
Canada’s subsidy plans earn praise
Falling crop prices may be making farmers uneasy, but the decision by Canadian governments to slash future farm supports has won international praise. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development says many countries are increasing agricultural subsidies after years of decline, but Canada has sharply cut supports over the years and they remain stable. In […] Read more
Funding for reputable U of S research leaders advances technology, province: ag minister
The federal and provincial governments have renewed five-year funding commitments for strategic research chairs at the University of Saskatchewan. Thirteen chairs will share $17.25 million and focus on crop genetic improvement, livestock development, food and bioproducts development, and soil and environment. “There are many individual projects within those broad parameters,” said Saskatchewan agriculture minister Lyle […] Read more
Night only grain drying draws rebuttal from researchers
Leading grain storage researchers hope to bury the night-drying-only theory at a Sept. 27 seminar at the University of Manitoba. The researchers will argue that not only does the approach work worse than other grain drying systems but also leaves crops poorly dried in normal prairie weather. “It was found that the (fan on only […] Read more
Yodelling gal becomes wife through WP
My parents received The Western Producer in the 1940s. As a young man from Alberta, I read the Pathfinders page. I saw some interesting stories, where some girls had written, so I started writing to about half a dozen girls, one in Alberta and five or so in Saskatchewan. This went on for about one […] Read more
Rural community projects get $1 million from FCC
Farm Credit Canada’s AgriSpirit Fund will provide $1 million to 93 rural community groups across Canada. Sixteen rural community groups in Saskatchewan will receive $160,000, 14 groups in Alberta will receive $200,000 and 10 groups in Manitoba will receive $80,000. Community groups will be awarded $5,000 to $25,000 for improvement projects, including recreation and community […] Read more
Budding writer blossoms with WP
Serendipity: I was reading about The Western Producer’s 90th birthday and then rediscovered my YC crest in a “catch-all” drawer. Suddenly I was awash in memories of the Young Co-operators pages in the WP. Ah, the excitement of seeing one’s words in print in a real newspaper. I remember with gratitude and fondness Sister Ann […] Read more
Fertilizer manufacturer confident
CALGARY — A major fertilizer manufacturer and retailer doesn’t fear new technology that is transforming crops into more efficient users of nutrients. Nitrogen use efficiency is expected to be the next major breakthrough in crop traits following drought tolerance. Seed companies are developing crops that require significantly less nitrogen fertilizer to produce today’s yields. “I […] Read more
