Retiring alfalfa fields used to be a simple process. Conventional tillage farmers would just drop the mouldboard plow in the fall, while those under a minimum tillage system would rely on a glyphosate burndown before planting a new crop the following spring. With the introduction of glyphosate tolerant (GT) alfalfa, however, glyphosate is no longer… Read More
Contour drainage can sure draw a crowd. More than 400 people travelled to a drainage innovation field day last weekend at the Huronview Demonstration Farm at Clinton, Ont. The stars of the show were new contour and controlled tile drainage systems with surface drainage terraces. These systems will provide research insights on how these systems… Read More
Don’t skip that burndown. That’s Rob Miller’s number one recommendation for soybean growers as a cold, wet spring pushes into May. Miller, BASF’s technical development manager, notes 2018 post-harvest conditions prevented many growers from controlling weeds in corn fields last fall and the yield-robbers are lurking beneath corn residue, waiting to compete with the 2019… Read More
A tough fall, winterkill, and a cool, wet spring are adding up to a condensed and busy herbicide application window for growers across Ontario.One of the first challenges is how to manage best all the abandoned winter wheat acres that are likely to be planted as corn or soybeans. On this episode of the RealAgriculture… Read More
New technology and design modifications make the GEA R9500 dairy robot a smart option for producers looking at automated milking systems, the company says. The box-style robot from GEA Farm Technologies delivers real-time somatic cell count (SCC) monitoring, more precise and speedier teat cup attachments, as well as a redesigned frame to enhance cow flow,… Read More
Herbicide resistant weeds are spreading across counties, the country, and the continent. Weed seeds are hitching a ride on wind and water and being transported by everything from machinery and migrating geese to ducks and earthworms. On this episode of RealAgriculture’s Resistance Management School, we’re joined by University of Guelph Ridgetown campus weed researcher, Dave… Read More
Reproduction performance on Canadian dairy farms is getting better but there’s still room for improvement. That’s the message Mark Cason, EastGen Genetics reproductive solutions manager, shared with producers attending the Western Canadian Dairy Seminar at Red Deer, Alta., earlier this month. Carson’s insights are based on analysis of CanWest DHI herds greater than 150 cows from… Read More
The countdown to the seventh annual Canadian Dairy XPO is on as the dairy industry showcase readies to open its doors at the Stratford Rotary Complex on April 3rd and 4th. Show attendance topped 16,000 in 2018 and more than 350 exhibitors representing 40 countries will set up this year to feature the latest dairy… Read More
More and more Zetor tractors are turning up on Canadian farms as the Czech tractor manufacturer grows its North American footprint. The Zetor brand traces it roots back to 1946 when the company produced its first tractor. Over the past 70 years, Zetor has built a reputation for performance and endurance at an economical price. The… Read More
The Goodyear R14T crossover tire is now available for a full range of compact tractors up to 150 horsepower. The crossover tire — a unique hybrid of different tread styles designed for any job in the field or around the farm — was launched last year by Titan International. In February, at the National Farm Machinery Show… Read More
One of the big stories in the Canadian wheat industry this year has been re-emerging demand for Hard Red Winter (HRW) wheat in Ontario. Hard Red Winter used to occupy up to 18 percent of wheat acres in the province, but that number has dropped to an estimated 7 per cent in recent years and… Read More
Imagine planting corn hybrids that could produce 40 to 80 percent of their nitrogen requirements. It’s only 10 years away, says University of Wisconsin–Madison researcher Dr. Vania Pankievicz. The breakthrough comes from a Mexican corn variety called Sierra Mixe. At the recent Innovative Farmers Association of Ontario conference in London, Ontario, Pankievicz explained that the 15-foot tall variety,… Read More
Two years ago our Exploding Spray Myths team raced against time to show sprayer operators that more air is not better when it comes to efficiently operating airblast sprayers. In this new episode, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affair’s Jason Deveau and Tom Wolf, of AgriMetrix, return to the orchard to show growers how to… Read More
GSI has expanded its lineup of Z-Series Bins with Flexwave technology and Quiet Dryer models for 2019. The grain bin manufacturer has launched the new technologies in the last 24 months and is now offering both innovations across its full product line. Last week at the National Farm Machinery Show, GSI conditioning applications manager Gary Woodruff noted… Read More
Corn is a grass and we should grow it like one. That’s Illinois farmer Marion Calmer’s management mantra, and he preaches it where ever he travels. Last month, Calmer brought his corn philosophy to the SouthWest Agricultural Conference at Ridgetown, Ont. On this episode of RealAgriculture’s Corn School, Calmer summarizes his six secrets to producing… Read More