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[...]


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[...]

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[...]


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,[...]

Seeding nearing completion in Alberta

CNS Canada -- Seeding in Alberta is nearing completion, with about 90 per cent of the crop reported in the ground as of Friday, despite the southern part of the province starting about two weeks later than normal. "Although it was a late start to the year, we had really good conditions for people to[...]


Snowfall aids spring seeding outlook across West

CNS Canada -- Above-normal snowfall in central and northern growing areas of Western Canada should help improve moisture levels ahead of spring seeding, according to CWB's crop and weather specialist. Snowcover was sorely needed because a lack of rain last fall, especially in the north, helped create dry areas that drew moisture from the soil[...]

Railways step up service as Ottawa eyes tackling grain backlog

Winnipeg | Reuters -- Canada's two big railways are stepping up service to reduce a backlog of grain shipments that have delayed exports and pushed oat prices to record highs, but the Canadian government said it may still step in with new regulations. Record crops of wheat and canola, along with frigid weather, overwhelmed Canadian[...]