Reading Time: 7 minutes It’s an in-field whodunnit — a burgeoning crop disease that closely resembles other better-known problems, but is its own unique culprit, with its own unique symptoms, development and costs. The first symptoms are a widespread mottling and crinkling of leaves on soybean plants, usually coming after the start of flowering, though in rare cases symptoms […] Read more
Soybeans fight to reach full potential against cyst nematode
A growing problem with sudden death syndrome is causing concern for Ontario soybean growers, but one plant pathologist says it’s a manageable concern
Weather group builds network
This simple, inexpensive device may help Ontario’s farmers finally get the weather data they need
Reading Time: 4 minutes It’s a funny thing. For something so important, there isn’t much of a system in place to measure precipitation in Ontario, or to track it or predict it. Environment Canada meteorologists are continually refining their ability to predict temperature trends over a five-day period, for example, but they aren’t able to do similar calculations for […] Read more
The evolution of vertical tillage
It’s how you use your deep tiller that makes all the difference in crop performance
Reading Time: 7 minutes What’s vertical tillage? It seems like a simple three-word question, and you’d expect the answer to be just as straightforward. But no matter which farmer, equipment dealer or agronomist you ask, or how many times you ask them, you’re likely to get a different answer every time. In no small part that’s because the focus […] Read more
Do biotech traits still pay?
Input costs are up, soybean prices are down, but the biotech sector aims to convince growers that the economics of biotech are still in their favour
Reading Time: 8 minutes With lower commodity prices looming over the grain and oilseed sector, more farmers this winter are asking whether that expensive bag of seed is really the smartest buy. At the very least, they say, it’s time for a fresh look at trait economics. The companies that produce this seed charge top dollar for it, and […] Read more
Brave new world of corn
It can feel like the glory days are over for corn, until you take a harder look
Reading Time: 7 minutes It’s easy enough to get pessimistic about corn these days. Just look at Chicago prices, or look at all the news reports from all around the world about the tremendous corn production potential of everywhere from Brazil to Ukraine. Or you could look closer to home, and get a dose of optimism. That’s what Ken […] Read more
In control… ahead of the market
These farm planning strategies can elevate soybean returns, even in a volatile year
Reading Time: 12 minutes In business circles, there’s the five-year plan, the two-year plan and even the one-year and the six-month plan, each with its own sub-plans loaded with hard production and financial targets. They’re a fact of life, and they are crucial management tools. Just ask any manufacturer, or the owner of any store that turns the kinds […] Read more
CAN bus at your control
CAN bus technology is hardly new, but now it’s being perfected in farm machinery, opening up a world of great opportunities
Reading Time: 5 minutes In precision agriculture, there can be a steep learning curve with the newest systems on the market. Planter clutches and variable-rate fertilizer systems have their intricacies, for instance, and it can take growers years to customize key components to fit their particular operations. Now, however, there may be help, based on a connectivity technology that […] Read more
On the rebound
Higher premiums and strong global demand are rekindling interest in IP soybeans
Reading Time: 6 minutes Ask anyone involved in identity-preserved (IP) or non-GMO soybean trade, and there’s plenty to say in favour of Canada’s reputation abroad and its leadership in quality. Unfortunately, they’ll also tell you that it’s been a tough go in the past two or three years. Since 2010, as total soybean production in Canada has increased, the […] Read more
Tufted vetch takes off
Tufted vetch not a new weed, just a different weed challenge
Reading Time: 3 minutes The battle with weeds just never seems to end, and now, as if resistant weeds, dandelions or Eastern black nightshade don’t provide enough challenges, there’s some concern that tufted vetch will be a growing issue for an increasing number of farmers. To be fair, Canada fleabane, giant ragweed and common ragweed are still the “Big […] Read more
Fine tuning for weeds
With more resistance, it’s time to be sure we’re using the right words the right way
Reading Time: 4 minutes In Ontario alone, farmers are now facing three different weeds with resistance to glyphosate, and a considerably longer list of those that are resistant to Group 2 chemistries. No one is blaming farmers, or saying today’s farmers aren’t as sharp as their parents. After all, today’s farmers have had to learn about new pests, new […] Read more
A message from April Stewart, Country Guide's Associate Editor
