Central Alberta receives weekend rainfall

Commodity News Service Canada — Many regions of central Alberta saw some beneficial rainfall going into the weekend, which provided some relief to dry fields and aided crops as they head into the filling stage. “What it’s basically going to do is help fill the crops. In some places they had up to two inches of rain[...]

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[...]


Prairie farmers eye early start to seeding

Winnipeg | Reuters -- Western Canadian farmers, some of whom could not plant crops last year due to soggy soil, may be able to get a head-start on sowing their fields this spring. Canada is the world's biggest canola exporter and the second largest wheat exporter, but its flat western provinces -- Manitoba, Saskatchewan and[...]

Cool, wet weather halts Alberta harvest

CNS Canada -- Farmers in Alberta haven't been able to make much harvest progress recently, as rainfall and cool weather have prevented them from getting into the fields over the past week. Almost half an inch of rain fell in some areas on Friday (Sept. 26), followed by some nicer weather on the weekend, said[...]


Winter comes early to Alta., crop downgrades likely

CNS Canada -- There may technically still be two more weeks of summer on the calendar, but winter weather has hit Alberta already and is raising quality concerns for unharvested crops in the province. Widespread snowfall and temperatures near the freezing mark were being reported Monday across the province. The winter weather is expected to[...]

California plan for water tunnels violates environmental rules: EPA

Reuters -- A California plan to bore two massive water tunnels under the fragile Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta hit a barrier this week when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said the plan could violate the federal Clean Water Act and further degrade the delta's ecosystem. The decision is the latest in a series of setbacks for[...]


Lawmakers in drought-hit California agree on water plan

Sacramento | Reuters -- California Governor Jerry Brown approved on Wednesday a US$7.6 billion plan to improve water supplies in the drought-stricken state that will be put before voters in November, ending a year of political wrangling over the measure. California is in the throes of a devastating multi-year drought that is expected to cost[...]

Peace River area expected to produce below-average crop

CNS Canada -- The Peace River region in northern Alberta is expected to produce a below-average crop this year because of dry weather in the area, according to a crop specialist. The soil is in need of some moisture in the area, especially in mid-July, as it is a crucial period for crop development, Harry Brook,[...]