It was only a few years ago that interest in alternative methods such as biologicals to boost a crop’s nutrient uptake seemed to spike in popularity. But according to Spencer Harris, senior vice-president of global ag retail for Nutrien Ag Solutions, biologicals are not all that new for Nutrien — the global ag retailer has been researching biological crop inputs for nearly two decades.
Pulse weekly outlook: Ample supply drives down feed pulse prices
Prices for feed pulses have dropped over the last month as farmers have turned to the feed market as the only buyer, according to a trader. "Regular processors aren't buying as many low-grade lentils, so guys are tired of sitting on them. So you're starting to see them come to the feed market," said Jay[...]
B.C. farm journal under new ownership
The monthly paper billed as Canada's oldest independently-owned farm journal has yielded a new owner from its own front office. Cathy Glover, the assistant editor and sales manager for Country Life in B.C., was announced Wednesday as the journal's new owner, taking over from retiring editor/publisher Peter Wilding. British Columbia's commercial farmers and ranchers "have[...]
Alberta rain good news for farmers, bad news for grasshoppers
CNS Canada -- After a dry spring, the rainfall across Alberta is a welcome change -- unless you're a grasshopper. "I'd hoped that over the weekend with the rain we had it would drown the little buggers out. When they're small like that, they're easily drowned if there's water on the surface," said crop specialist[...]
Mild winter, poor snow cover watched in Alberta, Saskatchewan
CNS Canada -- A milder than normal winter, with a lack of significant snow cover across much of Alberta and Saskatchewan, may be raising concerns in parts of the Prairies -- but there is still plenty of time before spring seeding will begin. "There's not much moisture there," said Harry Brook, crop specialist with Alberta's[...]
Alta. harvest turns up stagey crops
CNS Canada -- Alberta farmers who could have used wet conditions earlier this year now have rain slowing their harvest progress. However, the biggest issue producers in the province face is field variability, according to Harry Brook, a crop specialist with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry in Stettler. "It truly is a mess out there --[...]
Western Prairies see low yields as harvest ramps up
CNS Canada -- This summer’s erratic weather has taken its toll on plant development in Alberta and parts of western Saskatchewan, according to crop-watchers in those areas. “We have heard that dry conditions have caused plants (peas) to slough off or have the tillers dry off and have lost those heads,” said Barry Yaremcio at[...]
Cold, snowfall not likely to hurt Alta. crops
CNS Canada -- Cold temperatures that brought some snow and frost to some parts of Alberta overnight won't likely cause much damage to crops. "Most of our crops aren't up yet; there's been a fair bit of seeding going on, but I haven't seen any emerged crops yet. So, it's pretty much a non-issue at[...]
Some farmers already seeding in southern Alberta
CNS Canada -- Some farmers in southern Alberta are seeding earlier than normal this spring, thanks to some recent warmer weather. "Some guys are just starting to turn a wheel in southern Alberta," Harry Brook, crop specialist with Alberta's provincial Ag-Info Centre in Stettler, said Thursday. Soil temperatures are still not very warm, so more[...]
Prairie forage crops to benefit from early spring weather
CNS Canada -- Forage crops in Western Canada are in a much better place this spring compared to a year ago, as spring's early arrival will benefit crop development. The milder winter was also beneficial in preserving forage supplies, with feed stocks adequate to good in many regions, said Terry Kowalchuk, a provincial forage specialist[...]
A message from April Stewart, Country Guide's Associate Editor
