High density buffer keeps weeds out

Forestry experts from Indian Head, Sask., are encouraging prairie producers to take a look at a new type of shelterbelt that requires less maintenance and less time for establishment.Laura Poppy, agroforestry specialist from Agriculture Canada’s Agroforestry Development Centre, said the ecobuffer uses a diverse variety of tree and shrub species in a high-density, multi-row planting […] Read more



Unseeded acres allow weed control opportunity

LETHBRIDGE – One of the many weather related records being set this year is the amount of summerfallow that producers have during the 2010 growing season.For many producers, chemical fallowing over a whole growing season is reserved for years when a crop is lost to frost, hail or water.“Luckily, most farmers have limited experience with […] Read more

Flash flood turns Alta. ranch into soggy prison

Wendee Cristante has devoted her life to rescuing horses but after floods ravaged southeastern Alberta June 18, she needed rescuing.Cristante is the leader of the Canadian Clyde Ride Team, a draft horse show team. This spring, she moved to a ranch owned by George Ehret in the Cypress Hills area to prepare three of her horses […] Read more


Well-designed equipment dealership serves farmers well

Wild buckwheat, polygonum convolvulus, is another of the weeds showing resistance to Group 2 chemicals on the Prairies. Resistance has been identified in Alberta, but there is a threat across the West due to the widespread presence of the weed and the extensive use of Group 2 herbicides. Wild buckwheat is an annual, typically producing […] Read more

Western Producer Crop Report – for Jul. 1, 2010

Alberta South Standing waterAbout seven percent of the land will be left unseeded this year. Moisture is excessive, with water standing in many low-lying fields. Farmers near Cardston, Cypress County and Pincher Creek are hardest hit. Spraying progressed last week but is well behind normal. Pastures and tame hay are improving. Central Crops lateCrops look […] Read more

Grizzly deemed threatened species

Grizzly bears have been designated a threatened species in Alberta.“Grizzly bears in Alberta are at a certain amount of risk for a number of reasons,” said Mel Knight, minister of sustainable resource development, in a June conference call.In 2002, a recovery plan was initiated for the bears that included population and habitat information. The bears […] Read more


Ag Notes – for Jul. 1, 2010

Barley funding The Alberta Barley Commission has attracted more than $5 million in additional research funding since August.It has worked with government and industry partners in an attempt to reverse the trend of declining government funding. Over the last 10 months, the commission has achieved a ratio of 12:1, or $12 from investors for every […] Read more

Wet conditions boost winter wheat

For farmers unable to seed this spring after being flooded out, there’s no need to wait until next year.They can still make use of that soggy land this season by seeding winter wheat into chem fallow.“Wet springs that make seeding difficult are ideal for winter wheat,” said Paul Thoroughgood, regional agrologist with Ducks Unlimited.“Due to […] Read more