Mixed farms, which produce both grain and cattle, don’t get a lot of attention. In fact, you could call them an endangered species. For that reason, it was refreshing to see a presentation called Bucking the Trend at the recent Manitoba Ag Days in Brandon. The presenter was Duane Thompson of Tee Two Land & […] Read more
WP100 Research
Equipment manufacturers focus on technology
Major implement companies face high-tech future as they wrestle with automation, autonomy and precision agriculture
Images of autonomous machines working on their own in fields can easily grab the attention of early-adopter producers, especially those facing a labour crunch. They also make impressive headlines and brand announcements. However, even though several concept, prototype and even a few production machines have appeared on the scene, nearly all producers will again still […] Read more
Developing pulses particular to the Prairies
Ana Vargas and her U of S team are working to develop disease resistance, tall red lentils and drought-resistant fababeans
CALGARY – A scientist who seeks to breed lentils and fababeans that are a better fit for the Canadian Prairies in an era of climate change sees a bright future for the region’s pulse farmers. The ability of such crops to fix their own nitrogen means they require less fertilizer and provide high levels of […] Read more
Dwindling rural populations called global issue
This is the fifth and final story in a series exploring the complex factors behind rural depopulation in Manitoba, why it matters, the solutions that have been tried and what keeps young people in small communities. Read parts one, two, three and four here. It’s a snowy day in rural Japan. Inside the classroom, many […] Read more
Grain sector plans new sustainability approach
WINNIPEG — Responsible Grain had a short life. The controversial code of practice, unveiled in 2020, only lasted about 18 months. It was designed to “allow Canadian grain farmers to demonstrate their care and commitment to the environment,” says a Responsible Grain document. As well, the code was touted as a tool that could improve […] Read more
Taking a close look from a long distance
Satellite data and machine learning are yielding powerful tools for crop management in Western Canada
SASKATOON — Information is power, and by putting that power into farmers’ hands, Steve Shirtliffe wants to help Western Canada continue its record of world-leading innovation. “My vision is that we build a digital agriculture economy here in Saskatchewan,” he said. “ We’ve done it before. Where did no till come from? Where did people […] Read more
Company deploys million worms to improve soils
Annelida Soil Solutions of Alta. recently received an innovation award for its soil amendment that is based on worm castings
CALGARY — An Alberta company wants to turn poop from about 80 million worms into a natural superfood for the soil. “Essentially, what we’re doing is using Mother Nature and creating a soil microbiome through our technology,” said Jamie DePape, co-founder and director of sales for Annelida Soil Solutions Ltd. Related stories: Regenerative ag reaches […] Read more
Research priorities worry farmers
SASKATOON — Crop organizations say the federal government’s research priorities are increasingly at odds with those of farmers. The issue surfaced during the Saskatchewan Canola Development Commission’s annual general meeting. “Are we in alignment or are we starting to see what our priorities are as growers isn’t necessarily the same priorities as the federal government?” […] Read more
Increasing flax yields faces genetic challenges
Researchers who want to optimize flax for seed production must backtrack on 8,000 years of agricultural development
SASKATOON — When Bunyamin Tar’an introduced a new flax variety, CDC Esme, to an audience of farmers, the question from the floor was immediate: what about the straw? “Similar to (CDC) Glas,” he said. “Almost all the plants have similar structure. A lot of the challenge with flax is that the straw is really, really […] Read more
Sask. wetland plan to have local focus
YORKTON, Sask. — Saskatchewan continues to wrestle with how best to allow agricultural water drainage while retaining wetlands. The Water Security Agency recently completed consultation on a draft policy that would use a per-network approach to retaining a certain percentage of wetlands. It would use a floor concept within the network, or a conservation and […] Read more
