LINDELL BEACH, B.C. – New research suggests that wild horses in North America should be considered a native species, rather than domesticated animals turned feral. Jay Kirkpatrick, director of the Science and Conservation Center in Billings, Montana, in a paper co-authored with Patricia Fazio, argues that the question is important because management approaches might change […] Read more
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Wild horses originated in N. America
Sclerotinia spoils sunflower supplies
A high level of sclerotinia in last fall’s sunflower crop is forcing many Manitoba producers to destroy the seeds they have in storage. “This particular year, the quality is probably poorer than normal and there are no markets developing at the moment,” said David Koroscil, manager of insurance projects with Manitoba Agricultural Services Corp. “A […] Read more
Infrastructure projects in doubt
Some municipal road and bridge projects in Saskatchewan could be on hold after last week’s budget showed about half as much money available this year compared to last. Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities president David Marit said RMs were hoping the Strategic Municipal Infrastructure funding would remain stable after last year’s major injection of an […] Read more
Nitrogen right on the mark
Nitrogen calibration strips are a way for growers to gauge nitrogen application and optimize yields, says a soil fertility specialist with Manitoba Agriculture. “(They) basically help the grower to have a bit of an eyeball,” said Heard, who works with the department’s crops branch in Carman. “Did I hit the mark right with my fertility […] Read more
Ag policy briefs
Farmers want longer hunting season Phil Lewis has had a run of bad luck. In the past three years, the Moose Jaw area farmer has hit four deer while driving Saskatchewan roads, causing thousands of dollars of damage and higher insurance premiums for him, not to mention the animals’ deaths. “I don’t think it’s a […] Read more
Man. Interlake appears to be finally drying up
After two years of staring and shaking their heads at soaked fields, producers in Manitoba’s Interlake are finally feeling more optimistic about soil conditions in the region, said Darvin Firman, who farms north of Arborg. “To have all the snow basically gone, other than in the tree line, we’re in pretty good shape I’d say,” […] Read more
New shredder rips tough bales apart
Wet bales, marsh hay and canola bales have always been difficult to shred or unroll. A new shredder called the Roto-King has been engineered specifically for difficult bales. Designed jointly by Crawford’s West in Camrose and MDS Manufacturing in South Dakota, the Roto-King mounts to a large skid steer loader or a typical chore tractor. […] Read more
Improved suspension gives Nitro smooth ride
Nearly every manufacturer of self-propelled high clearance sprayers has recently introduced or is almost ready to introduce a better suspension system. The reason is simple: better suspension provides a better ride at the higher speeds that high clearance sprayers now travel. Ride has become a major comparison factor when producers go sprayer shopping, forcing manufacturers […] Read more
Beef, egg producers get research money
The dollar amounts weren’t large, but two agricultural sectors celebrated research funding last week that promises to increase competitiveness. At the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association annual meeting March 23, agriculture minister Gerry Ritz announced a $6 million fund to help finance a “research cluster” of scientists and industry leaders who will investigate improvements in industry priority […] Read more
Computer makes sprayer calibration easier
Sprayer calibration has always been a nuisance. Farmers would rather be in the field spraying instead of running around with a stopwatch and graduated cups, turning booms on and off. “It’s an arduous task. Guys just hate it. And that’s why it sometimes doesn’t get done,” said Bob Wyma of Saskatoon’s Wilger Industries. “With chemicals […] Read more
