Growers have been completely shocked by the soil tests they got back.” – Jim Hazlewood, Stratford Agri Analysis.

Empty soils

Today’s big-yield genetics really are draining the nutrient supply in our soils

Reading Time: 6 minutes The power of today’s corn hybrids and soybean varieties to exceed farmers’ expectations is a testament to the science of plant breeding, and also to the value of selecting the best elite genetics. That farmers in Eastern Canada have been able to push corn yields to 200 bu./ac. and soybeans to 60 bu./ac., even in […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Feed weekly outlook: Prairie wheat stored as southern Plains dry out

Reading Time: 2 minutes CNS Canada — A rise in U.S. corn prices has helped lift the entire feed market in southern Alberta, though one industry expert says it isn’t the only factor strengthening the market. “Barley is getting increasingly difficult to buy as we clean up old-crop supplies,” said Allen Pirness of Market Place Commodities at Lethbridge. Cattle […] Read more



"Governance policies show us how to separate business from personal needs and interests,” Tomtene says. As farms grow larger, it’s a role that grows in value.

Governing the farm

On most farms, ‘governance’ sounds like the last thing you’d want to talk about if you hope to keep everyone happy. Steve Tomtene used to think so too, but is glad he changed his mind

Reading Time: 5 minutes Like many farms with added complementary enterprises like a trucking company or livestock barn or a seed business, Tomtene Seed Farm at Birch Hill, Sask., has developed systems to juggle all the moving parts. “Maintaining identification and producing seed products of quality merit takes a shift in thinking about the products, about production, about the […] Read more





The falling number test requires laboratory-like conditions, and is usually only done at selected central locations when there is a general concern about sprout damage.

Better than meets the eye?

Canada’s quality-control system still has a lot of support, but some are calling for grades to be determined by machines, not the human eye

Reading Time: 4 minutes Is that No. 2 CWRS just as good for milling and baking as a No. 1? Or does that No. 1 CWRS have some quality damage that can’t be seen with the naked eye, making it no better than a No. 2? The answer could be yes in both cases, sometimes, in cases that might […] Read more

(Sleeman.ca)

Sleeman investing to bring back production from U.S.

Reading Time: 2 minutes Canada’s third-biggest national brewer plans upgrades at its southwestern Ontario plant, with which it plans to bring back some production it now contracts out to a U.S. brewery. Guelph-based Sleeman Breweries, owned since 2006 by Japanese brewer Sapporo, announced Monday it will invest $6.61 million to expand packaging capability, put up new beer tanks and […] Read more


(Thinkstock photo)

Feed weekly outlook: Prairie feed grain prices on rise

Reading Time: 2 minutes CNS Canada — Prices are rising for feed grains in Lethbridge, with buyers starting to consider their options. “Seems every day this last week we’re surprised at higher offers being triggered than the day before,” said Jared Seitz, trade manager with Agfinity Inc. In Lethbridge, feed barley bids last week were at $5 per bushel […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder cattle markets absorbing price uncertainty

Reading Time: 2 minutes Western Canadian feeder cattle markets were quite variable throughout the week due to the uncertain price structure in the deferred position. Yearling prices differentiated by nearly $15 across the Prairies while lighter calves were relatively unchanged from week-ago levels. Adverse weather throughout January and February has tempered demand for replacement cattle. Southern Alberta has received […] Read more