LETHBRIDGE – Grain farmers are restricted in the amount of seed row nitrogen they can apply without damaging germination and thinning plant stands. However, with the loss of ammonium nitrate, fertilizer companies have started introducing new technologies to slow the release of nitrogen. One aspect of these products is that more nitrogen can be applied […] Read more
Production
Treatments boost safe level for seed row nitrogen
Starch trumps protein, say nutritionists
The Canadian livestock feed industry considers starch levels and their associated energy levels in feed wheat to be more important than protein, according to an industry-wide study conducted this winter. The study surveyed members of the Animal Nutrition Association of Canada’s Nutrition Council, which is made up of 100 livestock nutrition specialists who formulate and […] Read more
New wheats boast midge resistance
Prairie grain growers may soon have access to four new spring wheat varieties that are resistant to wheat midge. Agriculture Canada wheat breeders developed the new varieties with support from the Western Grains Research Foundation. According to the foundation, old soft red winter wheat varieties from the United States were the source of the resistance […] Read more
Inventor credits idea for latch to client
DRAYTON VALLEY, Alta. – While he was selling his sucker rod fence posts, Bob McLeod said one of his customers approached him with an idea for a gate latch system. The unit uses an over centre lever that makes it easy to open and close barbed wire gates in fences. It attaches to the post […] Read more
Corner post system uses drilling tube
DRAYTON VALLEY, Alta. – Along with sucker rod fence posts, Bob McLeod has developed a corner post system made with oilfield scrap steel tubing. “The brace is made of 27/8 inch tubing, with three inch line pipe that fits over the tubing, so it can slide up and down,” said McLeod. “You lay that corner […] Read more
Rain welcome if broadcasting urea fertilizer
Urea, when used properly, can be an effective way to fertilize established crops. For years, ammonium nitrate, or 34-0-0, was the preferred fertilizer for use on pastures, hay fields and winter cereals. It was considered the most efficient broadcast nitrogen fertilizer for these situations. When granular 34-0-0 was discontinued in Western Canada, urea, or 46-0-0, […] Read more
Seed treatment available to fight pea leaf weevil
A Syngenta seed treatment recently received an emergency registration for controlling pea leaf weevils in dry and succulent peas in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Yves Dooper, research and extension manager with Alberta Pulse Growers, said the registration covers application of Cruiser at 50 to 83 millilitres per 100 kilograms of seed in peas, where the higher […] Read more
Versatile uses Powershift transmission for big haul
Winnipeg – The trend to bigger air drills has created a need for more tractor power. With that comes a need for transmissions capable of handling the power. That’s what prompted Buhler to introduce the Caterpillar TA22-M4WD Powershift transmission on its big Versatile tractors. “This is in response to farmer demand for more power and […] Read more
Keep eye out for Swede midge
Swede midge arrived in Canada in 2000 but has yet to make an appearance in the West. Dale Risula of Saskatchewan Agriculture said the tiny fly has caused damage in Ontario, so producers need to watch for it. “There’s no need for alarm bells but just start to be aware,” he said. The midge prefers […] Read more
Field bindweed can be managed organically – Organic Matters
Field bindweed is a difficult, noxious weed, but it can be managed organically. It is considered noxious because it can severely reduce yield, and spreads easily. Once established, control requires persistent effort, whether chemicals are used or not. Field bindweed resembles a morning glory crossed with a wild buckwheat plant. It has small funnel shaped […] Read more
