A fully podded field of lupins. The crop is similar to peas in that it thrives with regular rainfall and moderate temperatures.   |  Alberta Pulse Growers photo

It may be a little early to consider lupins

The pulse offers natural resistance to root rot, but agronomic, yield and weed control options limit their potential

With their natural resistance to aphanomyces root rot, lupins may seem like a no-brainer pulse to plant. But hold on, says Robyne Davidson, a pulse specialist with Lakeland College in Vermilion, Alta. Having worked with them since 2004, she says lupins are not ready for prime time and should only be seeded under special circumstances. […] Read more

A Moonsyst Smart Rumen Bolus is inserted at MBFI’s Brookdale Farm north of Brandon.   |  MBFI photo

Studies aim to improve heifer selection

Glacier FarmMedia – A research project underway at Manitoba Beef and Forage Initiatives (MBFI) north of Brandon might help cattle operations across the Prairies take their replacement heifer game plan to the next level. MBFI is one of three western Canadian sites feeding data into a four-year study aimed at evaluating how various novel technologies […] Read more


Bolus data on a computer screen shows the temperature change every time an animal drinks water, as seen in the top chart, and a spike in activity typical of an estrus alert.  |  Photo supplied by Susan Markus

Research looks for ways to assess heifer fertility

Project uses bolus technology to help identify the factors that producers could look for when acquiring replacements

A researcher wants to save cow-calf producers time and money by finding better ways for them to choose the best replacement heifers for their operations. “We want to know if we can assess something — some traits, some indicator — earlier in the season instead of having to wait until you turn them out with […] Read more