. . . . . Sprouting may be a major problem this fall in western Canadian wheat, which should provide the perfect conditions to test recent grading tech-nology. When a kernel sprouts, enzymes are released to convert its starch into more usable food for the seedling. This loss of starch from the kernel affects the […] Read more
Tag Archives Technology
New grading systemcould end disputes
Energy savings in the bank
CAROLINE, Alta. – A $5,000 investment could cut heating costs for the home or farm shop by more than half. Brian Crothers of Sundog Solar in Caroline says capturing heat from the sun using a bank of dark coloured tubes is an option for those looking to cut energy costs. “A 32 tube bank attached […] Read more
No idling for restored tractors
All but one of the 58 Versatile tractors at Versatile Days in Cayuga, North Dakota, showed up ready to work. That’s because they are still working tractors. Jim Berndt is restoring an 850 he bought a year ago. He says the tractor works while he restores it. He uses it for discing on his 1,400 […] Read more
Calgary opens hands-on facility for vet students
AIRDRIE, Alta. – A group of Alberta landowners continue to question whether the province needs to proceed with an ambitious project to boost electrical power production within the next decade. Edwin Erickson, a member of the Lavesta Area Group, representing about 800 landowners, has opposed the plan since it was proposed in 2006. “They still […] Read more
Soil fungusbenefits peas
LACOMBE, Alta. – A common fungus found in soil has potential to control fusarium in peas. Peas infected with fusarium oxysporum seemed to manage better when a fungus called trichoderma was present in the soil. “We noticed one year in some of the plots that had the trichoderma in it, the plants were actually healthier […] Read more
No drain, no grain
WATERLOO, Iowa – Changing anhydrous ammonia tanks is not high on anybody’s list of things they like to do, even for dealers who sell the fertilizer. A new remote coupling device allows farmers to put that process behind them –25 feet behind them in most cases. John Deere is releasing the Pitstop Pro connection system […] Read more
United effort saves creek
Co-operation and an inventive spirit were the inspiration for southern Alberta ranchers as they restored a meandering creek that flows through their property west of Claresholm. The Lyndon Creek Conservation Partnership consists of Jack and Merry Vandervalk, Gerald and Patricia Vandervalk, Wayne and Judy Lucas and David and Lisa Baptie, who have a long-term goal […] Read more
Biocontrols take on weed
CLARESHOLM, Alta. – When persistent patches of leafy spurge threatened to take over his pastures west of Claresholm, Wayne Lucas decided he needed help. He agreed to try a targeted herbicide program and biological controls using an imported weevil on the noxious, invasive weed. He also took some preventive steps. “We have gone into strictly […] Read more
Feed price may force herd selloff
Given the extensive drought in Alberta this summer and hay selling for five to six cents per pound, a casual observer would likely compare this summer to 2002. The weather was extremely dry that year and feed prices soared. However, there is one significant difference in 2009, said Ken Ziegler, a beef specialist with Alberta […] Read more
EC solves mysteries in soil
BRANDON – If people recognize the Veris 3100 cart, if they might conclude soil scientists are measuring salinity. Because the Veris does such a good job of documenting electrical conductivity (EC), which is the main test indicator for salinity, most producers and agrologists assume it’s primarily a salinity instrument. But people who delve into the […] Read more
