Do you combine a durum crop with an estimated yield of only five bushels an acre? The answer would usually be no, but on the one field we have in durum, this year’s abnormal conditions have changed intentions. Early in the growing season, the durum looked very good with even germination and good growth. Moisture […] Read more
Tag Archives Drytimes
B.C., Ont. cattle producers struggle with dryness
It has been a difficult year for producers across parts of the two provinces as wildfires and lack of rain wreak havoc
It’s been a harrowing summer for Rhonda MacDonald as 30 of her cows remain missing and presumed dead after a wildfire tore through rangeland near her Merritt-area ranch in the British Columbia Interior. “It wasn’t even a wall of flame. It was a tornado of fire coming around the edge of the mountain towards us,” […] Read more
Drought takes bite out of Man. soybean yields
Manitoba soybean growers will likely see lower yields this year, but a price of $15 per bushel should compensate for below average yields. Like all crops, the province’s soybeans suffered in June and July during weeks of 30 to 35 C heat and almost no rainfall. Rain in the second week of August and a […] Read more
Tour highlights importance of irrigation to southern Alta.
Two Canadian senators learned the importance of southern Alberta’s irrigation system Aug. 12 when they toured a portion of it in the company of various municipal officials. Doug Black from Alberta and Rob Black from Ontario flew in that day over fields greened by irrigation and fields browned by ongoing drought conditions where irrigation is […] Read more
Drought increases Sask. deficit estimate
Agricultural drought support has pushed Saskatchewan’s projected deficit to $126.5 million, according to a first quarter update from the finance minister. The province has committed more than $700 million on drought spending. Finance minister Donna Harpauer said that will be offset by some unexpected higher revenue. “Higher oil and potash prices and increased federal transfers […] Read more
Second La Nina threatens S. American crops
South America’s crops could suffer greatly if forecasts for a second consecutive La Nina weather event prove accurate, says an analyst. The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says there is a 70 percent chance of having a second La Nina in a row during South America’s summer growing season. Southern Brazil and Argentina typically […] Read more
Livestock Day tackles tight feed supplies
Cattle producers are desperate for feed, desperate for water, and desperate for information on alternative nutrition sources they’ll have to feed this winter. Those are expected topics to be covered during an online Ag in Motion Livestock Day event planned for Aug. 26. Presenters include rancher Kelly Sidoryk talking about extended grazing with holistic management, […] Read more
Canola crop estimate plummets
The United States Department of Agriculture is forecasting 16 million tonnes of Canadian canola production, down 4.2 million tonnes from its July estimate. It is the first major agency to slash production estimates. Agriculture Canada pegged the crop at 19.89 million tonnes in its July 20 outlook. Its next forecast will be released Aug. 20. […] Read more
Farming already stressful before drought
Drought has been an issue for farmers and ranchers since the first field was plowed and the first domesticated herd was rounded up. Along with drought comes the inevitable stress that adverse growing conditions can put on people. Recognition of how such stress is managed has changed over the years and the calls have grown […] Read more
Harvest estimates paint a gloomy picture
Harvest has begun in Western Canada and along with it speculation about the size of this year’s crop, particularly in Western Canada. Last week, Farmers Business Network Inc. (FBN), offered an inkling of farmer insight on what this year’s crop might look like in Western Canada with a survey. They asked growers in Canada’s three […] Read more
