New tools John Deere has added to its Frontier line of tools for compact tractors. Additions include the1200 series mulch finishers, the 10 series 1- and 2-bottom plows, a DH3472 disk harrow and the PC1072 field cultivator. The tools bridge the gap between large yard equipment and farm maintenance to small crop plots and market […] Read more
Production
New Products
Does fertilizer pay at current price?
Grain prices are up, but so are fertilizer prices. Producers are beginning to ask whether it’s worth it to apply fertilizer at the levels recommended by agrologists and by soil analysis. “We’re getting calls from farmers wondering if the investment in added fertilizer makes sense in light of the runup in grain prices. It’s a […] Read more
Organic research on a roll
CHILLICOTHE, Mo. – From Alabama to North Dakota, U.S. researchers are growing crops only to run them down. “You have to admit there is a certain, twisted appeal to running over a crop and flattening it for anybody in agriculture, farmers or researchers,” said Steve Shirtliffe of the University of Saskatchewan’s agriculture and bioresources college. […] Read more
Drill’s one-piece arm a money-saver
ST. BRIEUX, Sask. – Bourgault Industries is updating its 3310 Paralink hoe drill to keep prices down and improve overall durability. Robert Fagnou of Bourgault said the company’s top of the line drill will replace its two-piece packer arm with a single piece unit. “A new, cast and forged single piece combination shank replaces the […] Read more
Steel up; equipment to follow
ST. BRIEUX, Sask. – Bourgault Industries, like many farm equipment manufacturers, says its steel costs have increased sharply in the past year. Robert Fagnou said the cost has to be passed on to farmers, but like most companies, Bourgault is attempting to find alternative processes and products to save money. Claude Rouault of Highline Manufacturing […] Read more
More Alberta canola fields hit by clubroot
Clubroot, the soil-borne disease that slowly sucks the life out of canola fields and farmers’ profits, has been identified in four more Alberta counties. Grande Prairie, Lethbridge, Ponoka and Lacombe counties have each identified at least one field this summer with the infection. Previously clubroot had been confined to 10 counties around Edmonton and one […] Read more
Hot, wet grain invites fungi and bugs
How do insects and fungi manage to invade grain bins year after year? “It’s easy. I have yet to see a grain bin of any kind with a perfect seal,” said Blaine Timlick, entomologist with the Canadian Grain Commission. “It’s impossible to keep them out of your bins. You have to deal with them. Even […] Read more
Flooded farmers fear seed shortage
As swaths float across northern Interlake fields and farmers fight to make swathers and combines function in the mud, some producers wonder if the flood will affect 2009 spring seed supplies. “There’s always that old nagging question. Am I going to be able to get my seed for next spring,” says Garry Van Den Bussche […] Read more
Wheat draws interest among foothills farmers
ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOUSE, Alta. – Growing wheat within sight of the Rocky Mountains is a risky crop venture, but new varieties and a changing climate have farmers taking another look. Kim Nielsen, agricultural fieldman with Clearwater County, said there has been renewed interest in wheat in the non-traditional wheat growing area. Three varieties of wheat […] Read more
Don’t sell your straw short: experts
Farmers might be wondering if straw prices will climb enough this autumn to make selling it more beneficial than leaving it on the field for its nutrient value. Doon Pauly doesn’t think so. “Traditionally, the market price on straw has barely been above the nutrient export level,” says Pauly, a crop specialist with Alberta Agriculture […] Read more
